Enucleation of pancreatic neoplasms.
BACKGROUND
Standard resections for benign and borderline neoplasms of the pancreas are associated with a significant risk of long-term functional impairment, whereas enucleation preserves healthy parenchyma and pancreatic function. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative and long-term oncological and functional results after pancreatic enucleation.


METHODS
Data collected prospectively from 61 consecutive patients who underwent pancreatic enucleation were analysed.


RESULTS
There were no deaths. A clinically significant pancreatic fistula was reported in 14 patients (23 per cent), and five patients (8 per cent) had a further operation for fistula-related complications. The most common indication for surgery was endocrine neoplasm (38 patients; 62 per cent) and two patients (3 per cent) had a final histopathological diagnosis of malignant neoplasm. At a median follow-up of 61 months no patient had developed tumour recurrence or exocrine insufficiency. Two elderly patients developed non-insulin-dependent diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
Enucleation is an effective procedure for the radical treatment of benign and borderline neoplasms of the pancreas, with good long-term outcomes.
Crippa
S
S
Department of Surgery, Policlinico 'GB Rossi', University of Verona, Piazzale L. A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy.
Bassi
C
C
Salvia
R
R
Falconi
M
M
Butturini
G
G
Pederzoli
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010185:Pancreatic Fistula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies