[Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cystadenomas].
BACKGROUND
Cystic neoplasms are an uncommon group among pancreatic tumors. These lesions are seen more frequently in recent surgical practice, probably because of advances in diagnostic and surgical techniques. Total tumor resection provides the best chance of cure and may remove the risk of malignant transformation of the cystadenomas, particularly of the mucinous type. Minimally invasive techniques have been revolutionary and provide clinical evidence of decreased morbidity and comparable efficacy to traditional, open surgery. However, laparoscopic pancreatic resection is not an established treatment for tumors of the pancreas.


OBJECTIVE
The authors present their initial experience with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cystadenomas.


METHODS
Three female patients (mean age, 55 years) underwent laparoscopic pancreatic resection between September 2001 and December 2003.


RESULTS
Laparoscopic pancreatic resection was successfully performed in all patients. Operative time varied between 4 and 6 hours. Intraoperative bleeding was minimal. Due to a thick pancreas, the application of vascular endoscopic stapler was difficult in one patient. Two patients presented postoperative pancreatic leakage with spontaneous resolution.


CONCLUSIONS
Resection of the pancreas can be safely performed via the laparoscopic approach with all the potential benefits to the patients of minimally invasive surgery.
Machado
Marcel Autran C
MA
Departamento de Cirurgia Abdominal, Hospital do Câncer, São Paulo, SP. dr@drmarcel.com.br
Canedo
Leonardo F
LF
Herman
Paulo
P
Montagnini
André L
AL
Sallum
Rubens A A
RA
Machado
Marcel Cerqueira Cesar
MC
D000368:Aged; D003537:Cystadenoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010180:Pancreatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery