Extended left-sided pancreatectomy with spleen preservation.
BACKGROUND
Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is frequently performed with splenectomy, although splenectomy can be linked to various untoward effects, and sparing of the main splenic vessels (SVs) is not necessary for successful spleen preservation (SP).


METHODS
We reviewed all DPs in a single-surgeon practice to assess feasibility and outcomes of SP.


RESULTS
Between 1997 and 2007, 41 of 177 pancreatic resections involved a DP (23%). There were 14 men (34%) and 27 women (66%), with a median age of 60 years (range: 34-86). Four procedures were en bloc resections, two total pancreatectomies, while eight of the remaining 35 DPs were performed laparoscopically. SP was accomplished in 33 of 34 possible cases (SP rate 97%), despite SV resection in 27 of these (82%). The postoperative complication rate was 24%, without death. Pancreatic fistulae occurred in two patients (5% of patients at risk), and one SPDP led to splenic infarct. No other clinically relevant problems specific to SP have become apparent.


CONCLUSIONS
Pancreatic fistula rate and other outcomes in this small DP experience compare favorably to other DP series. Few spleen-specific complications and the radicality of resection support the liberal use of SP with SV resection, irrespective of an open or laparoscopic approach.
Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
Arash
A
Mohebati
Roderich E
RE
Schwarz
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010180:Pancreatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D010185:Pancreatic Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013154:Spleen / Q000473:pathology*; D013157:Splenic Artery / Q000601:surgery; D013159:Splenic Infarction / Q000209:etiology; D013162:Splenic Vein / Q000601:surgery; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome