Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Three cases of insulinoma

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy: a UK experience and a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Advances in operative techniques and technology have facilitated laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD).

METHODS

All distal pancreatectomies were attempted laparoscopically, while selected patients underwent LPD. The literature was systematically reviewed.

RESULTS

Between 2002 and 2008, 21 patients underwent LDP (n=14) or LPD (n = 7). The mean operating time, blood loss, and hospital stay after LDP were 265 min, 262 ml, and 7.7 days, respectively, and after LPD they were 628 min, 350 ml, and 11.1 days, respectively. The conversion, morbidity, pancreatic fistula, readmission, reoperation, and mortality after LDP were 7.1, 35.7, 28.4, 28.4, 0, and 7.1% respectively, and after LPD they were 0, 28.6, 14.3, 28.6, 0, and 0% respectively. The literature review identified 987 LDP and 126 LPD. Most LDP were for benign disease (83.9%) while most LPD were for malignancy (91.5%). The mean operating time, morbidity, pancreatic fistula, mortality, and hospital stay after LDP were 221.5 min, 24.7%, 16.4%, 0.4%, and 7.7 days, respectively, and after LPD they were 448.3 min, 28.6%, 11.6%, 2.1%, and 16 days, respectively.

CONCLUSION

LDP, particularly for benign disease and low-grade malignancy, is increasingly becoming the gold standard approach in experienced hands. In selected patients, LPD is feasible and safe. Long-term follow-up data are needed.

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein: report of three cases

Between March 2003 and March 2007, three patients with benign pancreatic tumors underwent a planned laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein. Four trocars were placed, and an endoscopic linear stapler was used to transect of the pancreas. The perioperative data and surgical outcomes were examined. This procedure was successfully completed in three patients. The mean operative time was 158.3 min, with mean blood loss of 14.7 ml. The postoperative pathological diagnoses included one insulinoma, one solid pseudopapillary tumor, and one intraductal papillary-mucinous adenoma. The mean size of the tumors was 29.3 mm. Oral intake was initiated on day 1.7, and the length of postoperative hospital stay was 8.7 days on average. No morbidity or mortality was observed. A laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein is a safe and feasible treatment option without compromising the splenic function for benign or borderline malignant tumors in the distal pancreas.

Laparoscopic pancreatic resection: the past, present, and future

Since the early 1990s, laparoscopic techniques have been applied to a growing number of pancreatic surgeries. Laparoscopic pancreatic resections have been performed in patients with a variety of diseases including chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, congenital hyperinsulinism, and neoplasms of the pancreas; e.g., insulinoma, mucinous cystic neoplasm, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, etc. Laparoscopic pancreatic resections with an en bloc lymph node dissection have also been performed for invasive carcinomas. The long-term results after laparoscopic resections for invasive pancreatic cancer, however, are still not well defined. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies with or without spleen preservation may benefit patients with reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, a quicker recovery to normal activity, and better cosmetic appearances based on retrospective analyses of collective series and case reports. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these benefits. In contrast, laparoscopic proximal pancreatectomies with or without duodenum preservation remain controversial. Although a laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy and laparoscopic duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection are technically feasible, laparoscopic reconstruction after proximal pancreatectomies is not yet generally practicable but limited to personal experiences by highly skilled endoscopic surgeons. To justify the performance of laparoscopic proximal pancreatectomies, it is mandatory to demonstrate the potential clinical benefits and safety of these complicated procedures.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation for serous cystadenoma: a case report and literature review

A minimally invasive approach can be beneficial in a spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. This article reports a 71-year-old woman who presented to her internist with hypertension and persistent hypokalemia. A computed tomography scan to rule out a functional adrenal mass incidentally revealed a 4 cm x 3 cm x 2 cm serous cystadenoma of the distal pancreas and normal adrenal glands. The patient was referred to the general surgery service for resection of the distal pancreatic lesion. A laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed. The lesion was completely excised, and the pathology revealed serous cystadenoma with focal fibrosis and atrophic acini. The postoperative advantages of this approach were the early return of bowel function, minimal narcotic requirements, and early resumption of normal activities. This case illustrates the advantages of minimally invasive surgery in the performance of a spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy.

The lasso technique for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy is becoming an acceptable alternative to open resection for selected pancreatic lesions. One of the difficulties with this approach is manipulating the pancreas with laparoscopic instruments to avoid unnecessary injury to the pancreas, and yet obtain adequate margins. The described technique accomplishes these goals.

METHODS

Data from all patients who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (always with splenectomy) were reviewed for age, gender, laparoscopic completion of the resection, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and pathology. The essential component of the technique is use of a Penrose drain around the neck or proximal body of the pancreas as a "lasso" for atraumatic manipulation. This technique is described in detail.

RESULTS

A total of 11 patients have undergone laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy using the lasso technique. Two patients (18%) underwent conversion to an open laparotomy: the because of bleeding from the pancreatic parenchyma and the other due to local invasion of a pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The average operating time was 162 +/- 39 min, and the median length of hospital stay was 3 days. There were two (18%) pancreatic leaks, both of which were treated conservatively with resolution. Pathologic examination, found six cystic neoplasms, two neuroendocrine tumors, two masses of chronic pancreatitis, and one adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The lasso technique simplifies intraoperative manipulation of the pancreas during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. It allows for safe manipulation of the pancreas and may expand the indications for the laparoscopic approach to pancreatic resection.

Laparoscopic resection of the pancreatic tail with splenic preservation

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of feasibility and efficacy of left resection of the pancreas with preservation of the splenic vessels and spleen as a laparoscopic procedure.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic technique is used less often on the pancreas than on other organs. The most common indications are enucleation of endocrine-active tumors and distal resections for benign primary pancreatic lesions. An important premise of these operations is atraumatic removal of as little of the pancreas as possible and the preservation of the spleen and its main vessels.

METHODS

Five patients aged 16 to 56 years, all female, underwent laparoscopic left resection of the pancreas with preservation of the splenic vessels and the spleen. There were 4 cases of benign epithelial tumors of the pancreas and 1 case of a left-sided adrenal cyst, which pre- and intraoperatively gave the impression of a pancreatic cystadenoma.

RESULTS

In all 5 cases, the laparoscopic procedure was completed with preservation of the splenic vessels and the spleen itself. No patient required blood transfusion, and there was only 1 postoperative fluid collection at the site of the tumor resection, which was drained percutaneously on the fourth postoperative day.

CONCLUSION

Distal pancreas resection can be performed as a laparoscopic procedure, with the usual advantages that this techniques has for the patient. Optimal closure of the cut edge of the pancreas and the preservation of the spleen and its main vessels are the most important aspects of this operation.

Initial experience with hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, with or without splenectomy, is gradually gaining acceptance, although its ultimate benefit is yet to be confirmed. This study aimed to report our initial experience with hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database including 17 patients during the period 2002-2004 was conducted. The median age was 60 years (range, 29-85 years), and the female-to-male ratio was 13:4. The preoperative diagnoses included benign and malignant conditions. Besides two to three ports, a hand port was placed in the upper midline to aid in dissection. The pancreas was divided with a stapler in all the patients, and drains were placed in 10 patients (70%).

RESULTS

One patient was found to be unresectable because of celiac artery involvement, and 2 of the remaining 16 patients underwent conversion to an open procedure. The median operating time was 196 min (range, 128-235 min). The mean tumor size was 4 cm (range, 2-7 cm), and the estimated blood loss was 125 ml (range, 50-1,250 ml). The median time to resumption of a regular diet was 3.5 days (range, 2-9 days), and the time to conversion to oral pain medications was 3 days (range, 2-9 days). The length of hospital stay was 5.5 days (range, 4-18 days), with a majority of the patients (11 patients, 78%) staying less than 7 days. There were no mortalities. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 25%, and the morbidities consisted of pancreatic leak/fistula (2 patients, 14%) and fever (1 patient). The margins were negative in 10 (76%) of the relevant 13 patients. At a median follow-up period of 3.8 months (range, 5-14 months), 11 (84%) of 13 patients had no evidence of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The minimally invasive approach to pancreatic disease is safe and technically feasible. Further large studies with longer follow-up periods are necessary to determine the role of laparoscopic surgery in the management of pancreatic disease.

Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatic Resection

Laparoscopic resection is not an established treatment for pancreatic tumors. Previous reports, mainly in Europe and Japan, have demonstrated the potential utility of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). However, few reports have been published from the United States. We instituted a pilot program to assess LDP. A total of 11 patients were included from December 2003 to December 2004. All patients were staged with preoperative endoscopic ultrasound and received vaccinations for possible splenectomy. The indications for surgery were as follows: neuroendocrine tumor (n = 7), unspecified tumor (n = 1), and cystic neoplasm (n = 3). All procedures began with diagnostic laparoscopy and intraoperative ultrasound. Three patients underwent laparoscopic enucleation of a discrete pancreatic nodule. In eight patients, LDP was attempted. One patient required conversion to an open procedure. In the other seven patients, the procedure was completed laparoscopically, two with hand-assist. The average operative time was 5 hours and 3 minutes; average length of stay was 5 days; and the splenectomy rate was 57 per cent (n = 4). There was one complication of an infected hematoma. There were no pancreatic leaks, deaths, nor readmissions. LDP with or without splenectomy is feasible and can be performed with minimum morbidity and only slightly increased operative time.

New approaches to the minimally invasive treatment of pancreatic cancer

Advances in minimally invasive surgery have revolutionized the field of surgery. Despite the great strides in equipment and experience, operative conduct remains confined by the limits of exposure. Retroperitoneal fat can be abundant and can contribute greatly to difficulty in exposure. Visceral organs ventral to the retroperitoneum preclude direct access and require optimal patient positioning to operate. Additionally, the major vascular pedicles all originate in the retroperitoneum off of the abdominal aorta or enter the inferior vena cava. The pancreas, in particular, is surrounded by the portal vein, celiac axis, superior mesenteric vein and artery, and splenic vein and artery. If injured during surgery, these vessels can present a life-threatening emergency. The issues related to the vasculature, coupled with the difficulty in resecting portions of the pancreas and the relative paucity of pancreatic procedures, have greatly concentrated these cases at tertiary care centers staffed by experienced laparoscopists. However, as surgical technology improves and fellowships train more surgeons with advanced laparoscopic skills, minimally invasive pancreatic surgery may diffuse with more community-based health care networks.

Angiography and arterial stimulation venous sampling in the localization of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours

Insulin- and gastrin-secreting neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas are often very small at presentation because of the potent effects of their hormonal outputs, and they may therefore prove difficult to localize preoperatively. This is despite the advances made in recent years in cross-sectional imaging techniques, especially multidetector-row computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound. In this chapter the techniques of angiography and arterial stimulation venous sampling used for the localization of these neoplasms are described; a combination of these two modalities provides both anatomical and functional data that are not available with other localization techniques, thereby improving operative outcome.

Are major laparoscopic pancreatic resections worthwhile? A prospective study of 32 patients in a single institution

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery has been used increasingly as a less invasive alternative to conventional open surgery. Recently, laparoscopic therapy for pancreatic diseases has made significant strides. The current investigation studied pancreatic resection by laparoscopy. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic pancreatic major resection for benign and malignant lesions of the pancreas.

METHODS

A prospective study of laparoscopic pancreatic resections was undertaken in patients with benign and malignant lesions of the pancreas. Over an 8-year period, 32 patients underwent laparoscopic pancreatic major resection: 21 left pancreatectomies (1 performed using a retroperitoneal approach), and 11 pancreatoduodenectomies (10 Whipple procedures and 1 total pancreatectomy). All the operations were performed in a single institution.

RESULTS

The operations were performed without serious complications. Only one left pancreatectomy was converted to laparotomy because of massive splenic bleeding, and one Whipple procedure was converted because of adhesion to the portal vein. In four of the Whipple operations, the resection was performed completely laparoscopically, and the reconstruction was done via a small midline incision. There was no operative mortality. In 16 patients of the left pancreatectomy group, the spleen was preserved. The mean blood loss was 150 and 162 ml; and the mean operating time was 154 and 284 min, respectively, for the left pancreatectomy and the Whipple procedure. Postoperative complications occurred for five patients after left pancreatectomy and for three patients after the Whipple procedure. Two patients needed surgical reexploration after left pancreatectomy because of intraperitoneal haemorrhage and eventration of the extraction site. Two patients underwent reoperation after the Whipple procedure: one because of intraabdominal bleeding and the other because of small bowel obstruction. The mean hospital stay was 10.8 days after left the pancreatectomy and 13.6 days after the whipple procedure.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic left pancreatectomy for benign and malignant lesions is feasible, safe, and beneficial. We believe that pancreatoduodenectomy should be performed only in selected cases and by a highly skilled laparoscopic surgeon. If there is any doubt, an open resection should be performed.

Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery for islet cell tumors of the pancreas

The experience with laparoscopic pancreatic surgery (LPS) in general, and pancreatic islet cell tumors (ICTs) in particular, is still limited. Because insulinoma is the most prevalent tumor and is mostly benign, single, and curable with surgical excision, it comprises most of the cases. Our experience with 17 cases (10 insulinomas, 2 gastrinomas, 1 nesidioblastoma, 4 nonfunctioning tumors) and those recorded in the literature (93 cases) show that laparoscopic surgery for small, solitary benign islet cell tumors located in the body and tail is feasible and safe and can result in rapid postoperative recuperation and a complication rate comparable or lower than that achieved with open surgery. It duplicates the success rate seen with conventional surgery regarding intraoperative localization and cure of disease. The main morbidity continues to be the occurrence of a fistula (18%), most often after enucleation, but the clinical course is benign in most instances. Preoperative imaging studies are required for localization, and the combined use of biphasic helical computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography (US) seems to be cost-effective. The use of laparoscopic US is an integral part of the laparoscopic procedure, and the information achieved is valuable for both confirming localization and decision making concerning the most appropriate surgical procedure. In cases of distal pancreatectomy, splenic salvage, preferably with preservation of splenic vessels, is feasible albeit more demanding and can be achieved in most cases.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Advanced laparoscopic techniques have been adapted to various surgical pathologies, including pancreatic tumors, with the potential benefits of attenuated surgical trauma, faster recovery, and improved cosmesis. Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery is technically demanding, and thus has not yet gained widespread acceptance. The aim of this study was to review our preliminary experience with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for benign and malignant pancreatic pathologies.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with benign and malignant pancreatic tumors who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in a university-affiliated department of surgery between 1997 and 2003 was performed. Data relative to demographic and clinical characteristics, indications for surgery, surgical procedure, and postoperative course were recorded.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was attempted for 12 patients with benign (n = 8) and malignant (n = 4) pancreatic tumors and successfully completed laparoscopically in 75%, of these cases. Six early postoperative complications (two abscesses, two instances of diabetes mellitus, two pancreatic leaks) developed in three patients. The spleen was successfully preserved in 58% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary experience suggests that laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is a feasible and safe procedure with a morbidity rate comparable with that for the conventional open procedure. However, laparoscopic surgery for malignant pancreatic tumors remains controversial. Larger series with longer follow-up periods are necessary to determine the role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of pancreatic pathologies.

New tools for laparoscopic division of the pancreas: a comparative animal study

We tested the hypothesis that the pancreas can be safely divided laparoscopically using non-suture devices. Twelve pigs were randomized into 4 groups: 1) laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) using an ultrasonic scalpel; 2) LDP using an ultrasonic scalpel with pancreatic stump suture reinforcement; 3) LDP using a 35-mm laparoscopic linear vascular stapler; 4) LDP using a prototype 35-mm radio-frequency laparoscopic linear vascular stapler. There were no serious complications related to distal pancreatectomy. All groups gained weight by postoperative day (POD) 14. Serum amylase, glucose, electrolytes and total bilirubin levels were measured preoperatively and on POD 1, 3, 7, and 14, and peripancreatic peritoneal fluid amylase levels were measured on POD 7 and 14; all remained normal in all groups. Fewer adhesions to the pancreatic stump were found in the ultrasonic scalpel groups as compared with the stapler groups. Ultrasonic dissection may be the superior means oflaparoscopic transection of the pancreas.

Laparoscopic resection of the pancreas: a feasibility study of the short-term outcome

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic resection is not an established treatment for tumors of the pancreas. We report our preliminary experience with this innovative approach to pancreatic disease.

METHODS

Thirty two patients with pancreatic disease were included in the study on an intention-to-treat basis. The preoperative indications for surgery were as follows: neuroendocrine tumors ( n=13), unspecified tumors ( n=11), cysts ( n=2), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with ectopic spleen ( n=2), annular pancreas ( n=1), trauma ( n=1), aneurysm of the splenic artery ( n=1), and adenocarcinoma ( n=1).

RESULTS

Enucleations ( n=7) and distal pancreatectomy with ( n=12) and without splenectomy ( n=5) were performed. Three patients underwent laparoscopic exploration only. Four procedures (13%) were converted to an open technique. One resection was converted to a hand-assisted procedure. The mortality rate for patients undergoing laparoscopic resection was 8.3% (two of 24). Complications occurred after resection in nine of 24 procedures (38%). The median hospital stay was 5.5 days (range, 2-22). Postoperatively, opioid medication was given for a median of 2 days (range, 0-13).

CONCLUSION

Resection of the pancreas can be performed safely via the laparoscopic approach with all the potential benefits to the patients of minimally invasive surgery.

Surgical treatment of pancreatic insulinomas in the era of laparoscopy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic resection has been increasingly reported for pancreatic insulinomas. This report evaluates our experience with surgical treatment for pancreatic insulinomas in this era of laparoscopy and reviews the application, safety, and outcome of this surgical approach reported in the literature.

METHODS

In a consecutive series of 10 patients with pancreatic insulinomas, laparoscopic resection was performed for selected patients after routine preoperative localizations. The outcome of this operative strategy was reviewed together with reported cases involving laparoscopic resection of pancreatic insulinomas.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy or enucleation was performed for four patients with tumors located at the body or tail of the pancreas, whereas open enucleation was performed for six patients with tumors located at the pancreatic head. Pancreatic leak developed in one laparoscopic and two open enucleations. A review of reported cases in the literature showed that 61 of 69 attempted laparoscopic pancreatic resections for insulinomas were performed successfully. All except two tumors were located at the body or tail of the pancreas. For 42 cases with detailed information, 41 tumors at the pancreas body or tail were removed successfully by enucleation (n = 24) or distal pancreatic resection (n = 17), and one tumor at the pancreatic head was enucleated successfully. Pancreatic fistula, the most frequent complication, occurred in 8 (19%) of 42 laparoscopic resections.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic resection of pancreatic insulinomas is safe and feasible for tumors located at the body or tail of the pancreas. Its application for tumors located at the pancreatic head needs further evaluation.

[Laparoscopic pancreatic resections]

The feasibility of laparoscopic pancreatic resection has been demonstrated. However, the real clinical benefit for the patients remains questioned. The best indication for a laparoscopic approach appears to be the resection of benign or neuro-endocrine tumors without a need for pancreato-enteric reconstruction (i.e enucleation or distal pancreatectomy). The use of the laparoscopic approach for malignant tumors still remains controversial. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery are clearly correlated with the successful management of the pancreatic stump. Pancreatic related complication rate (fistula and collection) is 15% when using pancreatic transection with a laparoscopic endostappler.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for Frantz's tumor in a child

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare pathologic entity. Although the role of laparoscopy in surgery of the pancreas is still controversial, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has been reported with good results in adults. We report a laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy in a 9-year-old boy who presented with a low-grade malignant tumor. Needle biopsy was impossible. A laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed. We used four trocars, and the operative time was 240 min. Conversion to open surgery was not necessary. The boy's postoperative recovery was uneventful, and he was discharged on the 6th day. CT-scan control at 6 months was normal. This case shows that even in advanced surgical cases, such as spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, laparoscopic procedures can be done safely, within a reasonable operative time, in children.