LAPAROSCOPIC DISTAL PANCREATECTOMY WITH OR WITHOUT SPLEEN PRESERVATION: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SHORT AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is the preferred approach for resection of tumors in the distal pancreas because of its many advantages over the open approach. AIM: To analyse and compare short and long-term outcomes from LDP performed through two different techniques: with splenectomy vs. spleen preservation and splenic vessel preservation. METHOD: Fifty-eight patients were operated and subsequently divided between two groups: Group 1, LDP with splenectomy (LDPS); and Group 2, LDP with spleen preservation and preservation of splenic vessels (LDPSPPSV). RESULTS: The epidemiological characteristics were statistically similar between the two groups (age, gender, BMI and lesion size). Both the mean of operative time (p=0.04) and the mean of intra-operative blood loss (p=0,03) were higher in Group 1. The mean of resected lymph nodes was also higher in Group 1 (p<0.000). There were no statistic differences between the groups in relation to open conversion, morbidity or early postoperative mortality. The mean hospital stay was similar between groups. Pancreatic fistula (grade B and C) was similar between the groups. The mean of overall follow-up was 37.6 months (5-96). Late complications were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Both techniques were superimposable; however, LDPS presented, respectively, higher intra-operative bleeding, longer duration of the operation and higher number of lymph nodes resected. No differences were observed in the studied period in relation to the appearance of infections or neoplasm related to splenectomy during follow-up. Maintenance of the spleen avoided periodic immunizations in patients in LDPSPSV. It is indicated in small pancreatic lesions with indolent course.

LAPAROSCOPIC DISTAL PANCREATECTOMY WITH SPLEEN PRESERVATION.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has been the choice for resection of distal pancreas lesions due many advantages over open approach. Spleen preservation technique seems minimizes infectious complications in long-term outcome. AIM: To present the results of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies with spleen preservation by Kimura´s technique (preservation of spleen blood vessels) performed by single surgical team. METHODS: Retrospective case series aiming to evaluate both short and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies with spleen preservation. RESULTS: A total of 54 laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies were performed, in which 26 were laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies with spleen preservation by Kimura´s technique. Mean age was 47.9 years-old (21-75) where 61.5% were female. Mean BMI was 28.5 kg/m² (18-38.8). Mean diameter of lesion was 4.3 cm (1.8-7.5). Mean operative time was 144.1 min (90-200). Intraoperative bleeding was 119.2 ml (50-600). Conversion to laparotomy 3% (n=1). Postoperative morbidity was 11.5%. Postoperative mortality was null. Mean of hospital stay was 4.8 days (2-14). Mean time of follow-up period was 19.7 months (2-60). There was no neoplasm recurrence or mortality on evaluated period. There was no infectious complication. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with spleen and splenic vessels preservation is feasible, safe, and effective procedure. This technique presented both low morbidity and null mortality on this sample. There were neither infectious complications nor neoplasm recurrence on long-term follow-up period.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation / Pancreatectomia distal laparoscópica com preservação esplênica

ABSTRACT Background: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has been the choice for resection of distal pancreas lesions due many advantages over open approach. Spleen preservation technique seems minimizes infectious complications in long-term outcome. Aim: To present the results of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies with spleen preservation by Kimura´s technique (preservation of spleen blood vessels) performed by single surgical team. Methods: Retrospective case series aiming to evaluate both short and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies with spleen preservation. Results: A total of 54 laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies were performed, in which 26 were laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies with spleen preservation by Kimura´s technique. Mean age was 47.9 years-old (21-75) where 61.5% were female. Mean BMI was 28.5 kg/m² (18-38.8). Mean diameter of lesion was 4.3 cm (1.8-7.5). Mean operative time was 144.1 min (90-200). Intraoperative bleeding was 119.2 ml (50-600). Conversion to laparotomy 3% (n=1). Postoperative morbidity was 11.5%. Postoperative mortality was null. Mean of hospital stay was 4.8 days (2-14). Mean time of follow-up period was 19.7 months (2-60). There was no neoplasm recurrence or mortality on evaluated period. There was no infectious complication. Conclusion: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with spleen and splenic vessels preservation is feasible, safe, and effective procedure. This technique presented both low morbidity and null mortality on this sample. There were neither infectious complications nor neoplasm recurrence on long-term follow-up period.

RESUMO Racional: A pancreatectomia distal laparoscópica tem sido a abordagem de escolha para ressecção de tumores em pâncreas distal devido a muitas vantagens sobre a abordagem laparotômica. A técnica com preservação esplênica parece minimizar complicações infecciosas em longo prazo. Objetivo: Analisar os resultados das pancreatectomias distais laparoscópicas com preservação esplênica e dos vasos esplênicos. Método: Série de casos com 26 doentes operados para avaliar os resultados em curto e longo prazo. Resultados: Cinquenta e quatro pancreatectomias distais laparoscópicas foram realizadas nesse período, onde 26 foram pancreatectomias distais laparoscópicas com preservação esplênica pela técnica de Kimura. A média de idade foi 47,9 anos (21-75), onde 61,5% eram mulheres. A média do IMC foi 28,5 kg/m² (18-38,8). O diâmetro médio das lesões foi 4,3 cm (1,8-7,5). O tempo cirúrgico médio foi 144,1 min (90-200). A média de sangramento intra-operatório foi 119,2 ml (50-600). O índice de conversão foi 3% (n=1). A morbidade pós-operatória foi 11,5%, e a mortalidade nula. A média de internação hospitalar foi 4,8 dias (2-14). A média de seguimento foi 19,7 meses (2-60). Não houve recorrência de neoplasias e nem mortalidade durante esse período e também não houve complicações infecciosas em longo prazo. Conclusão: A pancreatectomia distal laparoscópica com preservação esplênica e dos vasos esplênicos é procedimento factível, seguro e eficaz no tratamento de neoplasias pancreáticas. Esta técnica apresentou baixa morbidade e mortalidade. Não houve complicações infecciosas e nem recidiva neoplásica em longo prazo.