Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: our experience

Abstract

Background: laparoscopic pancreatic resection has taken increasing prominence in many centers worldwide, with varying results and complications.
Objective: to present the initial experience of laparoscopic distal resection at a single-center with high volume of pancreatic surgery.
Methods: we defined as variables in the study population distribution, type of resection, conversion rate, applicability, complications, re-operations, pancreatic fistulas, hospital days, histology of the resected specimen, and mortality.
Results: the conversion rate was 22%, mainly associated with resection of other organs and adhesions from previous surgeries. The complication rate was 23%, mostly depending on the classification IIIb described by Dindo-Clavien. The applicability of the laparoscopic approach was 25% for distal resections.There were 10 pancreatic fistulas: 6 Grade A and Grade B4, according to ISGPF. The total time of surgery was 206 minutes. The predominant pathology was benign, with 14 cases. There were 2 premalignant lesions, 6 neuroendocrine tumors, 2 adenocarcinomas of the pancreas and 1 lymphoma of the spleen. The hospital stay was 6.9 days (3-14) and there were 3 re-admissions. We had no mortality.
Conclusions: laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is a feasible and safe procedure in a selected population.