Novel approach to laparoscopic resection of tumours of the distal pancreas

Background: Laparoscopic resection for small lesions of the pancreas has recently gained popularity. We report our initial experience with a new approach to laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy so that the maximum amount of normal pancreas can be preserved while ensuring adequate resection margins and preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels. Methods: Three patients underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with spleen and splenic vessel preservation over a 2-month period. Surgical techniques and patient outcomes were examined. Results: All three patients were females, with ages ranging from 31 to 47 years. Two patients underwent resection using the conventional medial-to-lateral dissection as the lesion was close to the body or proximal tail of the pancreas. The third patient had a lesion in the distal tail of the pancreas and surgery was carried out in a lateral-to-medial manner. This new approach minimized excessive sacrifice of normal pancreatic tissue for such distally located lesions. The splenic artery and vein were preserved in all cases and there was no significant difference in clinical outcome, operative time or intraoperative blood loss. Conclusion: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels is a feasible surgical technique with acceptable outcome. We have shown that a tailored approach to dissection and pancreatic transection based on the location of the lesion allows the maximum amount of normal pancreatic tissue to be preserved without additional morbidity. Although the conventional 'medial-to-lateral' approach is recommended for more proximal tumours of the pancreas, distal lesions can be safely addressed using the 'lateral-to-medial' approach.