Laparoscopic pancreatic resection: some benefits of evolving surgical techniques

Splenic artery as a simple landmark indicating difficulty during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

INTRODUCTION

The use of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is increasing worldwide. It is important for surgeons to predict preoperatively the difficulty and risks of a surgery. However, very few reports have evaluated the impact of patient or tumor factors on the difficulty of LDP. We aimed to determine the predictors of technical difficulties when performing LDP.

METHODS

This study included 34 patients who underwent LDP. Patient information was obtained retrospectively and included age, gender, BMI, primary disease, previous abdominal surgery, previous pancreatitis, tumor size, tumor proximity to the splenic arterial origin, type of splenic artery (SpA), operative time, blood loss, postoperative pancreatic fistula, and length of hospital stay. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the predictors of a long operative time. SpA anatomy was classified into two types based on the relationship between its origin and the pancreas. Patients whose SpA origin was upward of the pancreatic parenchyma were classified as SpA type 1, whereas patients whose SpA origin was covered by the pancreatic parenchyma were classified as SpA type 2.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis revealed SpA type 2 to be an independent risk factor for a long operation (odds ratio = 9.925; 95% confidence interval: 1.461-67.412; P = 0.019). SpA type 2 was related to a longer operative time (P < 0.001) and greater intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Classification according to SpA type is simple and useful for predicting technical difficulty when performing LDP.

Outcomes associated with robotic approach to pancreatic resections

Minimally invasive techniques have improved post-operative outcomes, however, the majority of pancreatic surgery, known for its complexity, is still performed via open approaches. The development of robotics has improved dexterity which may allow for application in more complex surgeries. We queried a prospectively maintained robotic database to identify patients who underwent robotic pancreatic resection by a single surgeon between 2012 and 2016. Patient demographics and operative outcomes were compared using Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis and Pearson's Chi-square test as appropriate. We identified 119 patients; 65 Whipples [Robotic Whipple (RW)], 43 distal pancreatectomies, 4 total pancreatectomies, 6 pancreatic enucleations, and 1 robotic cyst gastrostomy with a median age of 71 [24-91], median body mass index (BMI) of 27.6 (16.8-40.2), and American society of anesthesiologists (ASA) of 3. The median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 125 [25-800] and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) 6 [1-34]. Mean operative time for RW decreased after 15 cases (578 vs. 457 minutes, P<0.004). Conversions to open occurred in 5 (4.2%) patients. In total of 117 (98.3%) patients underwent R0 resections and the median lymph node (LN) harvest was 16 [0-37]. The 30 and 90 days mortality was 1 (0.8%). Major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade 3-5) were seen in 16 (13.4%) cases (20.3%) but decreased steadily as volume increased (case 30). Pancreatic leaks occurred in 14 (11.8%): A, 8 (6.7%); B, 4 (3.4%); and C, 2 (1.7%). Robotic assisted approaches to pancreatic resections is feasible. However, it takes approximately 15 cases before a decrease in operative time and 30 cases before major complications are decreased. These trends in complications are associated with surgeon experience and volume are critical to consider in robotic pancreatic surgery.

Clinical outcomes for 14 consecutive patients with solid pseudopapillary neoplasms who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

INTRODUCTION

The postoperative results of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas (SPN), including the effects of spleen-preserving resection, are still to be elucidated.

METHODS

Of the 139 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreatectomy for non-cancerous tumors, 14 consecutive patients (average age, 29.6 years; 1 man, 13 women) with solitary SPN who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy between March 2004 and June 2015 were enrolled. The tumors had a mean diameter of 4.8 cm. Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed in eight patients (spleen-preserving group), including two cases involving pancreatic tail preservation, and laparoscopic spleno-distal pancreatectomy was performed in six patients (standard resection group).

RESULTS

The median operating time was 317 min, and the median blood loss was 50 mL. Postoperatively, grade B pancreatic fistulas appeared in two patients (14.3%) but resolved with conservative treatment. No patients had postoperative complications, other than pancreatic fistulas, or required reoperation. The median postoperative hospital stay was 11 days, and the postoperative mortality was zero.None of the patients had positive surgical margins or lymph nodes with metastasis. The median follow-up period did not significantly differ between the two groups (20 vs 39 months, P = 0.1368). All of the patients are alive and free from recurrent tumors without major late-phase complications.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy might be a suitable treatment for patients with SPN. A spleen-preserving operation is preferable for younger patients with SPN, and this study demonstrated the non-inferiority of the procedure compared to spleno-distal pancreatectomy.

Modified laparoscopic biliary enteric anastomosis procedure using handmade double-armed needles

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic biliary enteric anastomosis (BEA) offers several advantages, including good visualization, which helps to overcome the compromised visual field resulting from the biliary tract being located on the right anterior side of the body at some distance from the surgical opening. Laparoscopic BEA, however, requires skillful manipulation of the forceps over a limited range to achieve optimal outcomes. Here we describe a modified and reorganized BEA technique that increases the simplicity and feasibility of the procedure.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

After biliary tract surgery for benign diseases such as laparoscopic choledocholithotomy, handmade double-sided needles were used for BEA in 20 patients. First, one of the needles was placed at the right edge of the bile duct wall from the outside to the inside, while the other arm of the needle entered the right edge of the intestine from the outside to the inside. Next, continuous sutures were placed on the posterior wall with the needle that was placed on the intestine. Then, continuous sutures were placed on the anterior wall with a second needle. Finally, both threads were laparoscopically tied.

DISCUSSION

This relatively simple and feasible method has demonstrated excellent results and will be beneficial in the clinical setting.

Laparoscopic-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy in a child with gastrinoma

Gastrinoma is rare in children. We report the case of a 9-year-old boy with weight loss and vomiting. Upper gastrointestinal imaging showed severe stenosis of the duodenum. Although gastrin was very high, imaging did not show a gastrinoma. Selective arterial secretagogue injection (SASI) test indicated a tumor within the gastroduodenal arterial zone. In accordance with the SASI test result, we performed laparoscopic-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (LAPD). Postoperative biochemistry confirmed complete resection of the gastrinoma, and the patient was asymptomatic at follow up, 30 months after surgery. Even in patients with negative imaging for gastrinoma, aggressive resection following accurate localization on SASI test is biochemically curative. In such cases, the tumor is probably very small and LAPD may offer a minimally invasive procedure. As far as we know, LAPD in a child has not been previously reported.

Clinical outcomes of 15 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic insulinoma resection: The usefulness of monitoring intraoperative blood insulin during laparoscopic pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Insulinoma is a very serious functional tumor. Surgeons should confirm complete resection of insulinomas before completing the operation, even in laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

Between August 2007 and September 2014, 15 consecutive patients with biochemical evidence of an insulinoma underwent laparoscopic pancreatectomy. Intraoperatively, a peripheral arterial blood sample was taken, and insulin was measured by quick insulin assay. Insulin levels were determined before anesthesia induction, every 30 min thereafter, and every 30 min for at least 1 h after tumor resection to confirm insulin levels did not increase before surgery was completed.

RESULTS

All 15 patients (3 men and 12 women, average age 57.2 years) successfully underwent laparoscopic resection. One patient had two tumors, and the remaining 14 patients had one tumor each (three in the head, five in the body, and eight in the tail of the pancreas). Preoperative localization and regionalization studies identified the tumor correctly through CT (12/15 [80.0%]), MRI (9/12 [75.0%]), angiography (11/13 [84.6%]), endoscopic ultrasonography (7/10 [70.0%]), and selective arterial calcium injection (14/14 [100%]). Intraoperative ultrasonography detected 13 of 15 tumors (86.7%), and intraoperative blood insulin monitoring confirmed the complete resection of 16 of 16 tumors (100%). All patients were discharged with normal insulin levels and have been followed up for 3-88 months. There has been no recurrence of symptoms in any patients and none has died.

CONCLUSION

Complete removal of an insulinoma can be reliably predicted by intraoperative blood insulin monitoring even in laparoscopic pancreatectomies.

Pancreaticogastrostomy in pure laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy--A novel pancreatic-gastric anastomosis technique

Background

Although many surgical procedures are now routinely performed laparoscopically, pure laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is not commonly performed because of the technical difficulty of pancreatic resection and the associated reconstruction procedures. Several pancreatic-enteric anastomosis techniques for LPD have been reported, but most are adaptations of open procedures. To accomplish pure LPD, we consider it necessary to establish new pancreatic-enteric anastomosis techniques that are specifically developed for LPD and are safe and feasible to perform.

Results

One patient developed a postoperative pancreatic fistula (International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula criteria, grade B) and subsequent postoperative delayed gastric emptying (International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery criteria, grade C). No other major complications occurred. We developed a novel pancreatic-gastric anastomosis technique that enabled us to safely perform pure LPD. The main pancreatic duct was stented with a 4-Fr polyvinyl catheter during pancreatic resection. A small hole was created in the posterior wall of the stomach and was bluntly dilated. A 5-cm incision was made in the anterior stomach, and the pancreatic drainage tube was passed into the stomach through the hole in the posterior wall. The remnant pancreas was pulled into the stomach, and was easily positioned and secured in place with only four to six sutures between the pancreatic capsule and the gastric mucosa. We used this technique to perform pure LPD in five patients between December 2012 and July 2013.

Conclusions

Our new technique is technically easy and provides secure fixation between the gastric wall and the pancreas. This technique does not require main pancreatic duct dilatation, and the risk of intra-abdominal abscess formation due to postoperative pancreatic fistula may be minimized. Although this technique requires further investigation as it may increase the risk of delayed gastric emptying, it may be a useful method of performing pancreaticogastrostomy in pure LPD.

Trial registration

ISRCTN16761283. Registered 16 January 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12893-015-0061-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: Educating surgeons about advanced laparoscopic surgery

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (Lap-DP) has been recognized worldwide as a feasible and highly beneficial procedure. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Lap-DP techniques are being implemented safely by surgeons training to perform this procedure.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared the perioperative outcomes of Lap-DP in patients operated on by the surgeon originating this procedure at our hospital (expert surgeon group [E group], n = 47) and patients operated on by surgeons training to perform this procedure (training surgeons group [T group], n = 53).

RESULTS

The median operating times for the E group and T group were 321 min (range, 150-653 min) and 314 min (range, 173-629 min), respectively; these times were not significantly different (P = 0.4769). The median blood loss in the T group (100 mL; range, 0-1950 mL) was significantly smaller than in the E group (280 mL; range, 0-1920 mL) (P = 0.0003). There were no significant intergroup differences in other operative results: combined operation ratio, spleen- and splenic vessels-preserving ratio, hand-assisted procedure ratio, and the ratio of transition to open. The frequency of pancreatic fistulas in the E group and T group was 12.8% and 16.9%, respectively; these rates were not significantly different (P = 0.5886). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of other complications and reoperation rates. The median hospital stay for the E group was significantly shorter than for the T group (10 vs 13 days; P = 0.0307).

CONCLUSION

This retrospective analysis shows that teaching safe Lap-DP techniques to surgeons is reflected in stable perioperative outcomes.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy assisted by mini-laparotomy

PURPOSE

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the treatment of choice for periampullary disease. Even with the increasing number of successful reports from around the globe, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is still not fully accepted. We report the results of our experience of LPD assisted by mini-laparotomy.

METHOD

This retrospective review study included 42 patients who received LPD assisted by mini-laparotomy between March 2009 and April 2012. Clinical outcomes, such as patient age, pathologic diagnosis, pancreas nature, operation time, conversion rate, hospital stay, postoperative complication, and mortality rates, were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 42 patients (age range, 42 to 70 y ) received LPD assisted by mini-laparotomy. The mean incision length for the laparotomy was 5.2 cm. Mean operative time was 404 minutes, and 3 cases required conversion to open surgery. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 17 days. There were 3 cases of pancreaticogastrostomy leakage, 2 cases of postoperative bleeding, 4 cases of delayed gastric emptying, 1 case of bile leakage, and 5 cases of pulmonary complications. Of the 5 patients with pulmonary complications, 1 died.

CONCLUSIONS

When performed by a surgeon with ample experience in laparoscopic surgery, LPD assisted by mini-laparotomy is a safe, feasible alternative to conventional PD for select cases. The method described in this study can be used to perform pancreaticoenteric anastomosis in the same manner as an open PD, while taking advantage of the merits of minimally invasive surgery.

Successful laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: a case report and a reliable technique for pancreaticojejunostomy

Like other forms of laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (Lap-PD) is a minimally invasive procedure that can greatly reduce bleeding during surgery. We performed Lap-PD for a case of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. To remove the resected tissue from the body, we made a small incision directly above the line of transection of the distal pancreas (the cut stump). This procedure requires complex reconstructive procedures, which we performed through the same small incision. All reconstructive procedures, except for hepaticojejunostomy, were performed under direct visualization; hepaticojejunostomy was performed laparoscopically. The reconstructive surgery was effective and was as safe as open abdominal surgery. We also discuss the value of using an endoscopic linear stapler for Lap-PD pancreatic transection, to reduce extravasation of pancreatic fluid into the abdominal cavity during the resection of tumors involving the pancreatic ducts, such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.

Laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy

In recent years laparoscopic pancreatic procedures have developed rapidly, and reports of laparoscopic resection including laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy have increased in number. On the other hand, many benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic lesions have recently been detected by the improved diagnostic modalities. Parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy is a preferred surgical procedure for such benign and low-malignancy pancreatic lesions, because parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy can avoid the unnecessary resection of the normal pancreatic parenchyma, thereby preserving the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas. Simultaneously, laparoscopic surgery has contributed to minimally invasive approaches for various pancreatic surgical procedures. The combination of laparoscopic surgery and parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy is an ideal surgical procedure for benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic lesions. For laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy to become more widely known and its indications clarified, it is necessary to demonstrate the clinical benefits, technical feasibility, and safety of this complex and difficult surgical procedure.

Surgical management and results for cystic neoplasms of pancreas

Backgrounds/Aims

The diagnosis for cystic neoplasm of pancreas is based on the morphologic criteria through imaging studies, but the pre- and postoperative diagnoses are often inconsistent. This study aims at the analysis of clinical characteristics and the results of surgical treatments.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on 93 patients who have undergone surgery for pancreatic cystic diseases in our hospital from January 2001 to February 2013. Among them, 69 patients were confirmed as cystic neoplasms based on pathologic findings. Their clinical manifestations, diagnostic accuracy, surgical method and complications, pathologic findings were analyzed.

Results

Serous cystic neoplasm was the most common (n=22), followed by mucinous cystic neoplasm (n=18), intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (n=11), solid pseudopapillary tumor (n=9), neuroendocrine tumor (n=7), and cystic lymphangioma (n=2). The most common clinical symptom is abdominal pains (49.3%). Preoperative imaging studies were consistent with pathological findings in 72% of patients. Cystic fluid CEA levels of 400 ng/ml or more were reliable to detect mucin secreting tumors. Pancreatoduodenectomy was performed for 13 cases and the remaining 54 patients were treated with left-side pancreatectomy. Malignancy was found in 9 cases (13%) of mucin secreting tumors; 5 cases (27.8%) in mucinous cystic neoplasm and 4 cases (36.4%) in intraductal papillary mucinous tumor. Two of these survived without recurrences during the follow-up periods.

Conclusions

Exact treatment protocols for cystic neoplasm of pancreas are not decided because tumors are found with atypical forms. Surgical management is suggested for resectable tumors because a good prognosis can be expected with proper surgery if precancerous lesions are suspected at the time of discovery.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: experience of 22 cases

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery has gradually expanded its applications to include pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, the benefits of the laparoscopic approach are still debated. This article aims to present data regarding the efficacy of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in a single center.

METHODS

From March 2003 to June 2010, a total of 22 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with a totally laparoscopic approach, using a five-trocar technique. Reconstruction of the digestive tract was adapted to the aspect of the pancreatic stump, with 6 patients having Wirsung duct occlusion and 16 patients pancreaticodigestive anastomosis. Patient selection, short-term outcomes, oncologic results, and technical issues were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 392 (range, 327-570) min. Conversion was required in 2 patients (9.1 %) as a result of bleeding and difficult dissection. Major intraoperative complications included an injury to the right hepatic artery (4.5 %). Postoperative mortality was 4.5 %. Surgery-related morbidity occurred in 14 patients (63.6 %) and included bleeding (n = 5), pancreatic fistula (n = 6), biliary fistula (n = 2), and dumping syndrome (n = 1). Pancreatic fistulas occurred in 4 patients with duct occlusion and in 2 patients with pancreaticojejunostomy, and they all healed with conservative treatment. Mean hospital stay was 23 (range, 12-35) days. Pathologic diagnoses were pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 11), ampullary adenocarcinoma (n = 8), and duodenal adenocarcinoma (n = 3). The resection margins were all free from disease; the mean number of collected lymph nodes was 15 (range, 14-20).

CONCLUSIONS

The complexity of pancreaticoduodenectomy entails some issues, including patient selection and management of the pancreatic stump, that are not related to the approach used. Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is feasible, safe, and oncologically adequate, but only if performed in selected cases by highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons. Laparoscopy does not provide any significant advantage over traditional surgery, but it may improve postoperative outcomes in the so-called excellence centers, once the learning curve has been overcome. Multicenter randomized trials are needed.

Pancreaticojejunostomy with closure of the pancreatic stump by endoscopic linear stapler in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: a reliable technique and benefits for pancreatic resection

INTRODUCTION

We introduce a technique for pancreaticojejunostomy with closure of the pancreatic stump by endoscopic linear stapler as a reliable intervention with benefits for pancreatic resection in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (Lap-PD).

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Following laparoscopic resection, we perform pancreaticojejunostomy under direct visualization. We employ the same method as in open surgery and enter via a 4-5-cm incision, the minimum size feasible for easy removal of resected material from the body, positioned directly above the stump of the distal pancreas. In January 2011, we began using endoscopic linear stapler when cutting the pancreas during Lap-PD in order to reduce the leakage of pancreatic juice, which may contain tumor cells from the neoplastic lesion. Since then, we have used this procedure in 12 subjects undergoing Lap-PD and 5 subjects undergoing laparoscopic central pancreatectomy. We have observed postoperative complication in only one of the laparoscopic central pancreatectomy cases, involving grade B/C pancreatic fistula, and in none of the Lap-PD cases.

DISCUSSION

Our pancreaticojejunostomy with closure of the pancreatic stump by endoscopic linear stapler is a feasible procedure in Lap-PD and has produced positive results over a short time frame.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

In the field of gastroenterological surgery, laparoscopic surgery has advanced remarkably, and now accounts for most gastrointestinal operations. This paper outlines the current status of and future perspectives on robot-assisted laparoscopic pancreatectomy.

METHODS

A review of the literature and authors' experience was undertaken.

RESULTS

The da Vinci Surgical System is a robot for assisting laparoscopy and is safer than conventional endoscopes, thanks to the 3-dimensional hi-vision images it yields, high articular function with the ability to perform 7 types of gripping, scaling function enabling 2:1, 3:1, and 5:1 adjustment of surgeon hand motion and forceps motions, a filtering function removing shaking of the surgeon's hand, and visual magnification. By virtue of these functions, this system is expected to be particularly useful for patients requiring delicate operative manipulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Issues of importance remaining in robot-assisted laparoscopic pancreatectomy include its time of operation, which is longer than that of open surgery, and the extra time needed for application of the da Vinci compared with ordinary laparoscopic surgery. These issues may be resolved through accumulation of experience and modifications of the procedure. Robot-assisted laparoscopic pancreatectomy appears likely to become a standard procedure in the near future.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Robotic surgery is the most advanced development in minimally invasive surgery. However, the number of reports on robot-assisted endoscopic gastrointestinal surgery is still very small. In this article, we describe total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) undertaken using the da Vinci Surgical System® (Intutive Surgical).

METHODS

Three patients underwent robotic PD between November 2009 and February 2010. Following resection of the pancreatic head, duodenum, and the distal stomach, intracorporeal anastomosis was accomplished by Child's method of reconstruction, which includes a two-layered end-to-side pancreaticojejunostomy, an end-to-side choledochojejunostomy, and a side-to-side gastrojejunostomy.

RESULTS

The time required for surgery was 703 ± 141 min, and blood loss was 118 ± 72 mL. The average hospital stay period was 26 ± 12 days. As a postoperative complication, pancreatic juice leak occurred in one case, but it was managed with conservative treatment. Of the three patients, one had cancer of the papilla of Vater, one had cancer of the pancreatic head, and one had a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm. In all cases, the surgical margin was negative for tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted PD required a long time, but organ removal with less bleeding was able to be safely performed owing to the high degree of freedom associated with the forceps manipulation and the magnified view. Similarly, pancreatojejunostomy could certainly be conducted. No major postoperative complications were found. Accumulation of da Vinci PD experience in the future will lead to safer and faster PD.