[Laparoscopic pancreatectomy: report of 22 cases]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate results of laparoscopic pancreatectomy for benign lesions of the pancreas. Peri-operative data, surgical outcomes and techniques are presented.

Patients and methods: Eighteen women and four men underwent laparoscopic pancreatectomy and were collected retrospectively from 1999 to 2003.

Results: Laparoscopic pancreatectomy was attempted in 22 patients and completed successfully in 18: 10 enucleations, three distal pancreatectomies, four left pancreatectomies and one total pancreatectomy for endocrine and cystic tumors. Left and distal pancreatectomies were performed with preservation of the spleen. Four patients were converted (one enucleation, one whipple procedure and two left pancreatectomy). There was no mortality; the post-operative morbidity included two pancreatic leaks and one case of half splenic infarction. The median length of hospital stay was 12 days.

Conclusion: Patients appear to benefit from laparoscopic pancreatectomy for pancreatic benign tumors.