Spleen preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with segmental resection of splenic artery in a solid pseudo papillary tumor of the pancreas

Abstract

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is suitable for benign and premalignant neoplasms located in the body and tail of the pancreas. In addition, spleen-preservation following distal pancreatectomy for benign or low-grade malignant disease is known to be safe. We present a case of 32-year-old female patient with a solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas treated by spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with segmental resection of the splenic artery and splenic vein intact. She had uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged on the 6th postoperative day. Follow up Doppler-ultrasound scan showed no evidence of splenic infarction and well-preserved splenic blood flow. Conclusions: The surgical strategy of segmental resection of the splenic artery with intact splenic vein for spleen preservation seems feasible and represents an alternative option for spleen preservation in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. More clinical experience is required to address the advantages, limitations, and reproducibility of this technique.