Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Wei-Jun Wang1, Jia-Gen Li1, Zhi-Tao Li1, Qian Fang1, Yan-Guo Zheng2

1Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery and 2Department of Anesthesiology

Wenzhou Medical College Wenling Hospital, Zhejiang Province, China

Background: A laparoscopic surgery can be beneficial in a spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. Aims: This report shows a 60-year-old woman who presented to her persistent upper abdominal and bilateral lumbodorsal distending pain for one year. A computed tomography scan demonstrated a 4cm×5cm×5cm solid space-occupying mass in the distal pancreas. The patient was referred to minimally invasive surgery service for resection of the pancreatic lesion. Methods: A laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed. Results: The mass was completely excised, the pathological examination revealed pancreatic adenocarcinoma with grade II. The postoperative advantages of this approach were the early return of bowel function, minimal complications, and early resumption of normal activities. Conclusions: This case illustrates that minimally invasive surgery in the performance of a spleen-and-splenic-vessel preserving distal pancreatectomy is a feasible procedure without compromising the splenic function. (Wang WJ, Li JG, Li ZT, Fang Q, Zheng YG. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. North Am J Med Sci 2009; 1: 25-27).

Key words: Laparoscopy; pancreatectomy; distal pancreatectomy; pancreatic cancer; splenic vessels; adenocarcinoma; laparoscopic spleen-preserving; space-occupying; pancreas.

Correspondence to: Wei-Jun Wang, MD. Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Wenzhou Medical College Wenling Hospital, Zhejiang Province, China. E-Mail: wwj5558@yahoo.com.cn.