Laparoscopic intracavitary debridement of peripancreatic necrosis

[Laparoscopic segmental pancreas resection and pancreatic cystadenoma]

Aside from location, the complex anatomic relationships and advanced laparoscopic skills needed in selected cases of laparoscopic pancreas surgery have increased. We report a 55-year-old woman with cystic adenoma in the area of the corpus who was treated with complete laparoscopic corpus resection while preserving the head and tail of the pancreas and the spleen. The patient was placed in lithotomy position. Four trocars were placed. After opening the bursa, the pancreas showed a 6x6x6-cm, well-bordered, cystic tumor in the corpus. Tail and head of the pancreas were free of tumor and seemed inconspicuous. After exploration of the v. porte and v. lienalis, the healthy tissue in the head area of the pancreas was divided with the linear stapler. Preparation continued in the direction of the pancreatic tail while preserving the v. lienalis. After reaching the healthy pancreas in the tail region, the tumorous segment was resected. The resected pancreas segment was placed in an endobag until removal over a slightly widened trocar incision above the symphysis. The tail segment was anastomized in situ end-to- side with the first jejunum loop behind the Treitz's ligament. There was no postoperative complication, and the postoperative course was observed. The patient returned to normal activity within 10 days after operation. Retaining high surgical standards and preserving the healthy pancreas tissue and laparoscopic anastomosis, laparoscopic surgery in cases of benign tumors of the distal pancreas is possible with all the patient benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery

Robotic surgery remains in its infancy, and little experience has been reported, as surgeons carefully explore the application of this type of technology to diseases of the pancreas. While challenging and controversial, Dr. Zollinger would most likely support the ongoing research in the techniques of pancreatic surgery that can lead only to an improvement in the outcomes of our patients.

Is laparoscopic left pancreatic resection justified?

BACKGROUND

We reviewed our experience of laparoscopic left pancreatectomy to establish the feasibility of this approach and the characteristics of the operating procedure.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with a mean age of 60 years were deemed for a left pancreatectomy. Preoperative diagnoses were: nine mucinous cystadenoma and one insulinoma, intraductal mucinous ectasia, chronic pancreatitis with ductal stenosis, and distal pancreatic tumor.

RESULTS

Operative mortality was nil. Two patients required conversion for bleeding from splenic vein injuries leading to a splenectomy in one case. The spleen was preserved in 10 cases. Postoperative course was uneventful in nine cases. Four patients experienced postoperative complications: one pancreatic fistula, two liquid cysts on the pancreatic margin, and one reoperation for bleeding from a trocar port. Length of stay ranged from 5 to 22 days.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary results confirm that in selected cases laparoscopic resection of the left pancreas is feasible and safe.