ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Conventional pancreatic resections may be unnecessary for benign tumours or for tumours of low malignant potential located in the neck and body of pancreas. Such extensive resections can place the patient at increased risk of developing postoperative exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Central pancreatectomy is a plausible surgical option for the management of tumours located in these locations. Laparoscopic approach seems appropriate for such small tumours situated deep in the retroperitoneum. AIMS: To assess the technical feasibility, safety and long-term results of laparoscopic central pancreatectomy in patients with benign and low malignant potential tumours involving the neck and body of pancreas. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was an observational study which reports a single-centre experience with laparoscopic central pancreatectomy over a 9-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 14 patients underwent laparoscopic central pancreatectomy from October 2004 to September 2013. These included patients with tumours located in the neck and body of pancreas that were radiologically benign-looking tumours of less than 3 cm in size. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical analysis was done using GraphPad Prism software. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 48.93 years. The mean operative time was 239.7 min. Mean blood loss was 153.2 ml. Mean postoperative ICU stay was 1.2 days and overall mean hospital stay was 8.07 days. There were no mortalities and no major postoperative complications. Margins were negative in all cases and with a median follow-up of 44 months, there was no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic central pancreatectomy is a feasible procedure with acceptable morbidity. In the long term, there were no recurrences and pancreatic function was well preserved.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD), although an advanced surgical procedure, is being increasingly used for pancreatic head and periampullary tumors. We present our experience of 15 years with the largest series in total LPD for periampullary and pancreatic head tumors with data on oncological outcome and long-term survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective and retrospective data of patients undergoing LPD from March 1998 to April 2013 were reviewed. Of the 150 cases, 20 cases of LPD (7 cases done for chronic pancreatitis and 13 cases for benign cystic tumors of the pancreas) have been excluded, which leaves us with 130 cases of LPD performed for malignant indications. RESULTS: In total, 130 patients were chosen for the study. The male:female ratio was 1:1.6, with a median age of 54 years. We had one conversion to open surgery in our series, the overall postoperative morbidity was 29.7%, and the mortality rate was 1.53%. The pancreatic fistula rate was 8.46%. The mean operating time was 310±34 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 110±22 mL. The mean hospital stay was 8±2.6 days. Resected margins were positive in 9.23% of cases. The mean tumor size was 3.13±1.21 cm, and the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 18.15±4.73. The overall 5-year actuarial survival was 29.42%, and the median survival was 33 months. CONCLUSIONS: LPD has evolved over a period of two decades and has the potential to become the standard of care for select periampullary and pancreatic head tumors with acceptable oncological outcomes, especially in high-volume centers. Randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the advantages of LPD.
