PMO-096 Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy—a tertiary referral centre experience

Abstract

Introduction: The first report of a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy dates from 1996. Since then, the progress has been slow mainly because of the relatively low volume of caseload, the morbidity associated with a pancreatic duct leak and the concerns about the ability to achieve negative margins for malignant pancreatic neoplasms. Methods: We present a retrospective case series of 11 patients, of whom 7 (64%) are women, who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy at a tertiary referral centre over 18 months. Results: Median age is 67 years [range 30-77] and median hospital stay is 6 days [range 3-20]. None required blood transfusion or conversion to open surgery. Histology confirmed one chronic abscess, two cancers, six potentially malignant lesions and two serous microcystic cystadenomas. All tumours were completely excised with clear resection margins. 3 patients (27 %) had postoperative complications: one had partial splenic infarction which was managed conservatively, one had fluid collection that was treated by percutaneous drainage and one had abscess which required surgical intervention. The latter had laparoscopic right hemicolectomy at the same time of his pancreatic resection. Conclusion: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is feasible and can achieve adequate resection margins in benign and malignant pancreatic neoplasms.