Central pancreatectomy for the resection of benign or low malignant potential neoplasms

Sixteen cases of laparoscopic central pancreatectomy for benign or low-grade malignant tumours in the pancreatic neck and proximal body

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to examine and analyse the outcomes and patient experiences associated with laparoscopic central pancreatectomy.

METHODS

The perioperative data of 16 patients who underwent laparoscopic central pancreatectomy were retrospectively analysed at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital (Xingning Branch and Eastern Branch) from September 2017 to July 2023.

RESULTS

All surgical procedures were completed without the need for intraoperative conversion to open surgery. In two cases, intraoperative cholangiography was performed, while in four cases, intraoperative fluoroscopic laparoscopic assistance was utilized. The duration of the operations varied from 160 to 360 min, with an average of 281.75 min. The estimated volume of intraoperative bleeding ranged from 50 to 300 mL, with an average of 113.75 mL. The postoperative pathology results revealed that there were two cases of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, six cases of serous cystic neoplasms, one case of mucinous cystic neoplasm, five cases of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms, and two cases of neuroendocrine tumours. The maximum diameter of the tumours ranged from 3.0 to 5.0 cm, with an average of 3.67 cm. There were no instances of postoperative common bile duct stenosis or biliary leakage. Among the cases, five did not exhibit pancreatic fistula, six experienced biochemical leakage, three had grade B pancreatic fistula, and two had grade C pancreatic fistula.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic central pancreatectomy, as a method to preserve pancreatic function, entails specific surgical risks and a notable likelihood of postoperative pancreatic fistula, necessitating the expertise of seasoned surgeons for its execution.

An end-to-end pancreatic anastomosis in robotic central pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Suturing the proximal pancreatic stump and performing pancreaticoenterostomy for the distal pancreatic stump following central pancreatectomy is a conventional procedure. This reconstruction after resection of the pathological pancreatic lesion brings changes in anatomy and physiology. In this study, an innovative one-stage robotic end-to-end pancreatic anastomosis was reported to replace the conventional pancreaticoenterostomy following central pancreatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 11 consecutive patients who underwent robotic central pancreatectomy with end-to-end pancreatic anastomosis between August 2017 and December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

All operations were completed successfully without any conversion to open surgery. Nine patients had benign tumors, one had a mass-forming chronic pancreatitis, and one had an isolated pancreatic metastasis from a renal cancer. The mean gap left after central pancreatectomy was 4.3 ± 1.0 cm. The median operative time was 121 (range, 105 to 199) min. The median blood loss was 50 (range, 20 to 100) ml. Seven (63.6%) patients developed complications which included Clavien-Dindo Grade I complications in five patients, a Grade II complication in one patient, and a Grade IIIa complication in one patient. Seven patients developed a Grade B postoperative pancreatic fistula, and two patients a biochemical leak. There was no Grade C or worse pancreatic fistula. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography at postoperative 6 months showed no stricture in any of the main pancreatic ducts. Three patients had an asymptomatic and small pancreatic pseudocyst.

CONCLUSION

Robotic central pancreatectomy with end-to-end pancreatic anastomosis was safe and feasible. It restores the normal anatomy of the pancreas. With its good short-and long-term outcomes, it could be an alternative reconstructive method to pancreaticoenterostomy following central pancreatectomy.

Major pancreatic resections: normal postoperative findings and complications

Objectives

(1) To illustrate and describe the main types of pancreatic surgery; (2) to discuss the normal findings after pancreatic surgery; (3) to review the main complications and their radiological findings.

Background

Despite the decreased postoperative mortality, morbidity still remains high resulting in longer hospitalisations and greater costs. Imaging findings following major pancreatic resections can be broadly divided into “normal postoperative alterations” and real complications. The former should regress within a few months whereas complications may be life-threatening and should be promptly identified and treated.

Imaging findings

CT is the most effective postoperative imaging technique. MRI and fluoroscopy are used less often and only in specific cases such as assessing the gastro-intestinal function or the biliary tree. The most common normal postoperative findings are pneumobilia, perivascular cuffing, fluid collections, lymphadenopathy, acute anastomotic oedema and stranding of the peri-pancreatic/mesenteric fat. Imaging depicts the anastomoses and the new postoperative anatomy. It can also demonstrate early and late complications: pancreatic fistula, haemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, hepatic infarction, acute pancreatitis of the remnant, porto-mesenteric thrombosis, abscess, biliary anastomotic leaks, anastomotic stenosis and local recurrence.

Conclusions

Radiologists should be aware of surgical procedures, postoperative anatomy and normal postoperative imaging findings to better detect complications and recurrent disease.

Teaching Points

• Morbidity after pancreatic resections is high.

• CT is the most effective postoperative imaging technique.

• Imaging depicts the anastomoses and the new postoperative anatomy.

• Pancreatic fistula is the most common complication after partial pancreatic resection.

Extended distal pancreatectomy for advanced pancreatic neck cancer

Backgrounds/Aims

We investigated the clinical application of extended distal pancreatectomy in patients with pancreatic neck cancer accompanied by distal pancreatic atrophy. In this study, we have emphasized on the technical aspects of using the linear stapling device for a bulky target organ.

Methods

From March 2010 to September 2013, 46 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, who underwent pancreatic resection with radical intent at our institute, were reviewed retrospectively. Among them, three patients (6.5%) underwent extended distal pancreatectomy. A linear stapling device and vise-grip locking pliers were used for en bloc resection of the distal pancreas, first duodenal portion, and distal common bile duct. The results were compared with those after standard pancreatectomy.

Results

All three patients presented with jaundice, and the ratio of pancreatic duct to parenchymal thickness of the pancreatic body was greater than 0.5. Grade A pancreatic fistula developed in all of the cases, but none of these fistulae were lethal. Pathological staging was T3N1M0 in all of the patients. The postoperative daily serum glucose fluctuations and insulin requirements were comparable to those in patients who received pancreaticoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy. At the last follow-up, two patients were alive with liver metastasis at 4 and 10 months postoperatively, respectively, and one patient died of liver metastasis at 5 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

While the prognosis of advanced pancreatic neck adenocarcinoma is still dismal, extended distal pancreatectomy is a valid treatment option, especially when there is atrophy of the distal pancreas. Also, the procedure is technically feasible, and further refinement is necessary to improve patient survival.

Laparoscopic assisted central pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy reconstruction - An alternative surgical technique for central pancreatic mass resection

Context:

Central pancreatectomy has gained popularity in the past decade as treatment of choice for low malignant potential tumor in the midpancreas due to its ability to achieve optimal preservation of pancreatic parenchyma. Simultaneously, advancement in minimally invasive approach has contributed to numerous novel surgical techniques with significantly lower morbidity and mortality. With the purpose of improving patient outcomes, we describe a laparoscopic assisted central pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy as an alternative method to the previously described open central pancreatectomy with roux-en-y pancreaticojejunostomy reconstruction.

Case Report:

A 39 year old man presented to our clinic with a 2.5 cm neuroendocrine tumor at the neck of the pancreas. Laparoscopic assisted central pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy reconstruction was successfully performed. Operative time was 210 minutes with blood loss of 200 ml. Postoperative course was uneventful except for a minimal pancreatic leak which was controlled by an intraoperatively placed closed suction drain. At 2 week follow up, patient was asymptomatic with well preserved pancreatic endo and exocrine functions. Permanent pathology findings showed a well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor with negative margins and nodes.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic assisted central pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy reconstruction is feasible and safe for a centrally located tumor. Laparoscopic assisted technique facilitates application of minimally invasive approach by increasing surgical feasibility in typically complex pancreatic operations.

Middle pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy: a technique, operative outcomes, and long-term pancreatic function

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Middle pancreatectomy is infrequently performed in selected patients. The rationale is to preserve pancreatic function. This study evaluates a technique, operative outcomes, and long-term exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function of the middle pancreatectomy procedure.

METHODS

Nineteen patients who underwent middle pancreatectomy between 1996 and 2008 were reviewed. Indications included eight intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasms, five endocrine tumors, one serous and two mucinous cystadenomas, and three other benign lesions. Reconstruction of the distal pancreatic remnant was performed with pancreaticogastrostomy using the duct-to-mucosa method in 16 patients and with Roux-en-Y end-to-end pancreaticojejunostomy in 3 patients.

RESULTS

Median operative time was 215 min. Perioperative mortality was nil. Morbidity was 53%, including 9 (47%) pancreatic fistulas. One patient with hemorrhage, complicated by a pancreatic fistula was successfully treated by endovascular embolization. No patients required postsurgical reoperation. Only one patient had clinical exocrine insufficiency requiring pancreatic enzyme supplementation. None developed postresection new-onset insulin-dependent diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Middle pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy is feasible and reasonable technique. Although the incidence of pancreatic fistula formation may still be higher compared to conventional resection, long-term exocrine, and endocrine pancreatic function may be preserved. Thus, careful patient selection and experienced pancreatic surgeons in high-volume centers are of great importance.

Middle pancreatectomy for pancreatic neoplasms

BACKGROUND

A middle pancreatectomy (MP) is a parenchyma-preserving procedure for benign or low-malignant neoplasms in the neck or body of the pancreas that reduces long-term endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. MP requires the handling of 2 (distal and proximal) pancreatic remnants, and therefore, the higher rates of pancreatic fistula and morbidity may occur after MP rather than after standard pancreatectomies, such as for a pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy. Though there have so far been few reports regarding a high number of series in MP as opposed to standard pancreatic resections, recently reports describing more than 50 case outcomes of MP were published.

METHODS

A literature search, which examined articles related to MP, was performed using the PubMed database. Data were compiled to generate conglomerate results of mortality and morbidity rates, and the long-term pancreatic functional insufficiency and recurrence after MP.

RESULTS

The mortality rates varied from 0 to 3%, and the morbidity from 13 to 62%. The rates of pancreatic fistula in more than 50 cases of MP varied from 8 to 30%. The rates of endocrine and exocrine insufficiency were very low (range, 0-9% and 0-8%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

MP is a safe procedure for the treatment of benign or low-grade malignant neoplasms in the pancreatic neck or body, and in this procedure, the postoperative endocrine and exocrine functions are well preserved.

[Middle segmental pancreatic resection: an organ-preserving option for benign lesions]

Benign and low malignant tumors of the middle pancreatic segment can be resected by extended pancreaticoduodenectomy or distal pancreatic resection. Both procedures involve unavoidably extensive loss of normal pancreatic parenchyma, leading to deteriorated endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function. Segmental pancreatic resection represents an organ-preserving surgical procedure. Normal pancreatic tissue can be preserved as only the tumor with a pancreatic segment is resected. Several reports confirm lower mortality and minimal risk of postoperative endocrine or exocrine insufficiency than with standard pancreatic resections. The indication should be limited exclusively to benign or low malignant pancreatic tumors, metastases from other tumors, and focal chronic pancreatitis, as this type of resection cannot be deemed oncologic. Segmental pancreatic resections are technically more demanding and therefore should be performed in experienced centers.

Central pancreatectomy without anastomosis

Background

Central pancreatectomy has a unique application for lesions in the neck of the pancreas. It preserves the distal pancreas and its endocrine functions. It also preserves the spleen.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 10 patients who underwent central pancreatectomy without pancreatico-enteric anastomosis between October 2005 and May 2009. The surgical indications, operative outcomes, and pathologic findings were analyzed.

Results

All 10 lesions were in the neck of the pancreas and included: 2 branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), a mucinous cyst, a lymphoid cyst, 5 neuroendocrine tumors, and a clear cell adenoma.

Conclusion

Central pancreatectomy without pancreatico-enteric anastomosis for lesions in the neck and proximal pancreas is a safe and effective procedure. Morbidity is low because there is no anastomosis. Long term endocrine and exocrine function has been maintained.

Distal pancreatectomy: incidence of postoperative diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Distal pancreatectomy is an accepted and safe procedure for lesions of the body and tail of the pancreas. Limited resections, including central pancreatectomy, have recently been advocated as possible strategies to preserve pancreatic endocrine function. The true rate of diabetes after distal pancreatectomy is not known, but we hypothesize that the risk is nominal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed 125 consecutive patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy between January 1, 1992, and March 31, 2006.

RESULTS

Of these 125 patients, 27 (21.6%) had an islet cell tumor, 25 (20%) adenocarcinoma, 24 (18.4%) serous cystic neoplasm, 19 (15.2%) mucinous cystic neoplasm, 11 (8.8%) chronic pancreatitis, and eight (6.4%) intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. In addition to the distal pancreatectomy, 105 (84%) of the patients underwent splenectomy and 12 (9.6%) a concomitant liver resection. The median operative time was 232 min and median blood loss 250 cc. Postoperative complications occurred in 44 (35.2%) patients (12% fistula), and there was one death. Fourteen patients had known type 2 diabetes preoperatively.

DISCUSSIONS

With a median follow-up of 21 months, 10 (9%) of previously nondiabetic patients developed new onset diabetes. There was a trend toward increased risk of new onset diabetes among patients with pancreatitis (odds ratio, 2.9). In the absence of pancreatitis, the rate was 7.5%. Length of hospitalization was greater for patients with new onset diabetes (9.4 vs 7.5, P < .05). Neither demographics, diagnosis, nor operative statistics impacted the risk of postoperative diabetes.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the rate of clinically apparent new onset diabetes after distal pancreatectomy is minimal. Alternative pancreatic resections aimed at preserving pancreatic mass are likely to be unwarranted.

New advances in pancreatic surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

New understanding of the dynamic of acute pancreatitis, the clinical impact of local pathology in chronic pancreatitis and cystic neoplastic lesions bearing high potential for malignant transformation has changed the management of pancreatic diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

In acute pancreatitis, risk factors independently determining outcome in severe acute pancreatitis are early and persistent multiorgan failure, infected necrosis and extended sterile necrosis. The management of severe acute pancreatitis is based on early intensive-care treatment and late surgical debridement. In chronic pancreatitis, recent data from randomized controlled clinical trials have demonstrated duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection with an inflammatory mass of the head as superior to pylorus-preserving Whipple resection. Cystic neoplasms are local lesions of the pancreas with high malignant potential. Local organ-preserving resection techniques have been applied with low morbidity and mortality, replacing a Whipple-type resection. Resection of pancreatic cancer is ineffective to cure patients. After an R0-resection, a significant survival benefit has been achieved when adjuvant chemotherapy has additionally been applied.

SUMMARY

New knowledge about the nature of inflammatory diseases, cystic neoplastic lesions and malignant pancreatic tumours has changed the indication for surgical treatment and the application of organ-preserving surgical techniques.

Middle segment pancreatectomy: a useful tool in the management of pancreatic neoplasms

Small, benign or low grade malignant tumours located in the neck of the pancreas are usually treated with enucleation. However if enucleation is too risky because of possible damage to the main pancreatic duct, standard pancreatic resections are performed. Such operations can lead to impaired long term exocrine-endocrine function. Middle segment pancreatectomy consists of a limited resection of the midportion of the pancreas and can be performed in selected patients affected by tumours of the pancreatic neck. Middle segment pancreatectomy is a safe and feasible procedure for treating tumours of the pancreatic neck; in experienced hands it is associated with no mortality but with high morbidity; the rate of "clinical" pancreatic fistula is about 20%. Moreover, it allows the surgeon to preserve pancreatic parenchyma and consequently long term endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function.

Middle segment pancreatectomy: a useful tool in the management of pancreatic neoplasms

Small, benign, or low-grade malignant tumors located in the neck of the pancreas are usually treated with enucleation. However, if enucleation is too risky because of possible damage of the main pancreatic duct, standard pancreatic resections are performed. Such operations can lead to impaired long-term exocrine-endocrine function. Middle segment pancreatectomy consists of a limited resection of the midportion of the pancreas and can be performed in selected patients affected by tumors of the pancreatic neck. Middle segment pancreatectomy is a safe and feasible procedure for treating tumors of the pancreatic neck; in experienced hands it is associated with no mortality but with high morbidity, even if the rate of "clinical" pancreatic fistula is about 20%. Moreover, it allows a surgeon to preserve pancreatic parenchyma and consequently long-term endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function.

Central pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy in children

Children requiring surgical intervention for pancreatic disease may be at risk long term for exocrine insufficiency and glucose intolerance. Pediatric surgeons must balance the need to perform adequate surgical resection while preserving as much normal pancreatic parenchyma as possible. Neoplasms of the middle pancreatic segment with low malignant potential and isolated trauma to the pancreatic body or neck represent 2 conditions where extensive pancreatic resection is unnecessary. Central pancreatectomy for such lesions is well described in adults. Reconstruction of the distal pancreatic remnant is traditionally performed via Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy. Pancreaticogastrostomy is an alternative approach that has been used to reconstruct the distal pancreas in the adults. Pancreaticogastrostomy offers several technical advantages over pancreaticojejunostomy. Because children may be uniquely susceptible to the long-term consequences of excessive pancreatic resection, 2 cases using this technique of central pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy are described.

The Dagradi-Serio-Iacono operation central pancreatectomy

Central pancreatectomy (CP) is a segmental pancreatic resection indicated to remove benign or low-grade malignant tumors of the isthmus and proximal part of the body of the pancreas. The main advantage of this operation compared with major resections is that it permits to spare normal pancreatic parenchyma; moreover, spleen and upper digestive and biliary tracts are saved. The description of the complete operation was reported for the first time by Dagradi and Serio in 1984 and subsequently spread worldwide by Iacono and Serio. In our opinion, it should be called the Dagradi-Serio-Iacono operation, by the names of the surgeons who first performed it (Dagradi and Serio), and by the names of the surgeons responsible for reporting it worldwide with precise indications (Iacono and Serio). Operation requires a midline or a bilateral subcostal incision; the lesser sac is entered through dissection of the transverse colon from the omentum or by transecting the gastrocolic ligament. The pancreatic segment harboring the lesion is then mobilized and its posterior surface carefully dissected from the splenic vein and artery. Subsequently, the pancreatic portion harboring the tumor is isolated at its superior margin from the splenic artery after the pancreas is transacted. The extent of the resection of the central segment is limited on the right by the gastroduodenal artery and on the left by the need to leave at least 5 cm of normal pancreatic remnant. The resected pancreatic specimen is sent to the pathologist for confirmation of diagnosis and to check if the resection margins are adequate. Hemostasis of the two raw surfaces is achieved with interrupted 5 or 4/0 nonabsorbable stitches. When it is not stapled, the Wirsung's duct of the cephalic stump is sutured selectively with a figure-of-eight nonabsorbable stitch. An end-to-end invaginated pancreaticojejunostomy is carried out with a single layer of interrupted stitches. The operation is concluded with the construction of an end-to-side jejuno-jejunostomy about 50 cm distal to the pancreatic anastomosis. Other techniques for reconstruction of the distal stump using jejunum or stomach have been described. One or two soft drains are brought out on the right side. The fluid collected from this drain is checked for amylase level on postoperative days 3, 5, and 7; if the level is low or absent, the drain is removed. Central pancreatectomy is a safe technique for benign or low malignant tumors of the pancreatic neck that allows curing the tumor with evident functional results without increasing the risk for the patient. We can say that CP has a clear role like pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy and we think that a pancreatic surgeon has to include this procedure in his/her technical skills. In order to obtain excellent results, correct indications and experience in pancreatic surgery are recommended.

Central pancreatectomy for benign pancreatic pathology/trauma: is it a reasonable pancreas-preserving conservative surgical strategy alternative to standard major pancreatic resection?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the technical feasibility, safety and outcome of central pancreatectomy (CP) with pancreaticogastrostomy or pancreaticojejunostomy in appropriately selected patients with benign central pancreatic pathology/trauma. Benign lesions/trauma of the pancreatic neck and proximal body pose an interesting surgical challenge. CP is an operation that allows resection of benign tumours located in the pancreatic isthmus that are not suitable for enucleation.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and December 2005, eight central pancreatectomies were carried out. There were six women and two men with a mean age of 35.7 years. The cephalic pancreatic stump is oversewn and the distal stump is anastomosed end-to-end with a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop in two and with the stomach in six patients. The indications for CP were: non-functional islet cell tumours in two patients, traumatic pancreatic neck transection in two and one each for insulinoma, solid pseudopapillary tumour, splenic artery pseudoaneurysm and pseudocyst. Pancreatic exocrine function was evaluated by a questionnaire method. Endocrine function was evaluated by blood glucose level.

RESULTS

Morbidity rate was 37.5% with no operative mortality. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 10.5 days. Neither of the patients developed pancreatic fistula nor required reoperations or interventional radiological procedures. At a mean follow up of 26.4 months, no patient had evidence of endocrine or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, all the patients were alive and well without clinical and imaging evidence of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

When technically feasible, CP is a safe, pancreas-preserving pancreatectomy for non-enucleable benign pancreatic pathology/trauma confined to pancreatic isthmus that allows for cure of the disease without loss of substantial amount of normal pancreatic parenchyma with preservation of exocrine/endocrine function and without interruption of enteric continuity.

Middle segmental pancreatic resection: An option to treat benign pancreatic body lesions

OBJECTIVE

To clarify whether middle segmental pancreatic resection can be performed with comparable morbidity and mortality to classic pancreatic resections for lesions in the mid-portion of the pancreas.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Pancreaticoduodenectomies or distal pancreatectomy, traditionally used to treat lesions of the pancreatic body, sacrifice a significant amount of normal pancreatic tissue. Middle segmental pancreatic resection has therefore been introduced to minimize loss of functioning pancreatic tissue.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a prospective 4-year single-center study, 40 consecutive patients with lesions of the neck or the body of the pancreas underwent a middle segmental pancreatic resection. A matched-pairs analysis comparing middle segmental pancreatic resection with pp-Whipple and distal pancreatectomy was included.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients had neoplastic lesions (4 solid malignancies, 9 cystic lesions, 4 neuroendocrine tumors) and 23 patients had focal chronic pancreatitis. Postoperative surgical morbidity was 27.5% and mortality 2.5%. The reoperation rate was 5.0%. Three patients (7.5%) developed pancreatic fistula. Median postoperative hospital stay was 11 days (range, 6-62 days). After a median follow-up of 29 months, 97.4% (38 patients) of the patients were satisfied with the operation. The mean quality of life status (EORTC QLQ-C30) was comparable to a normal control population. Matched-pairs analysis revealed no differences of perioperative parameters (except operation time), morbidity, and mortality. However, endocrine pancreatic function was better preserved (P < 0.05) in patients with middle segmental pancreatic resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Middle segmental pancreatic resection is an appropriate procedure for selected patients with tumorous lesions in the mid-portion of the pancreas. It preserves pancreatic parenchyma and function and has a mortality and morbidity rate comparable to other pancreatic resection procedures.

Central pancreatectomy for benign pancreatic lesions

INTRODUCTION

Traditional resections for pancreatic malignancies include distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and pancrearicoduodenectomy (PD). Alternative resections for benign pancreatic disease are used to minimize the resection of normal pancreatic and splenic parenchyma. This study describes the use of central pancreatectomy (CP) in 10 patients.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing CP between May 1999 and February 2004 was undertaken.

RESULTS

Ten patients (eight female, two male) underwent CP for benign pancreatic disease. Median age was 59 years (range 21-75). Eight patients presented with abdominal pain, two of whom also had weight loss. One patient each presented with hypoglycemia and as an incidental finding. Median operative time was 255 min (range 160-380 min). Proximal pancreatic remnant was stapled in five and oversewn in five. Distal pancreatic remnant was managed with pancreaticojejunostomy in six patients and pancreatjcogastrostomy in four patients. There were no 30-day mortalities. Pancreatic fistula developed in four patients (40%), and all resolved without operative intervention. All patients are alive with no recurrence and no new endocrine or exocrine dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

CP has similar morbidity and mortality rates to traditional pancreatic resections and may offer a lower incidence of diabetes and exocrine insufficiency.

Natural history of indeterminate pancreatic cysts

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment for incidental asymptomatic pancreatic cysts is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine whether nonmucinous cysts by cyst-aspiration analysis can be observed safely.

METHODS

A prospective protocol was initiated in September of 1999 for all suspected cystic neoplasms. Asymptomatic patients with negative cyst aspirates (no extracellular mucin, and concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen in the cyst fluid <200 ng/mL) were followed-up clinically and radiographically.

RESULTS

Through December 2004, 221 patients have been evaluated, and 80 (36%) initially were operated. There were 141 (64%) patients with indeterminate cysts, 98 have been followed-up for more than 12 months. Compared with resected patients, observed patients were older (62 vs 56 y, P < .006), and had smaller cysts (2.4 vs 4.0, P = .001). At a mean follow-up period of 24 months, 4 patients (4%) were resected. The indication, time to resection, and pathology were as follows: 2 patients for symptoms (abdominal pain and obstructive jaundice) at 24 and 72 months, respectively: mucinous and serous cystadenomas; 1 patient for an increase in size (6.6 to 7.8 cm) at 18 months: lymphoepithelial cyst; and 1 patient for abdominal pain and increase in size (2.0 to 3.7 cm) at 41 months: pseudocyst. The only patient resected for a mucinous neoplasm had a cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen level of 896 ng/mL. In the remaining observed patients, 20 (23%) showed a decrease in cyst size, and 16 (19%) showed an increase in size (mean diameter change, 21%).

CONCLUSIONS

Initial follow-up evaluation indicates that asymptomatic patients without evidence of a mucinous neoplasm by cyst aspiration can be followed clinically and with interval imaging.

Imaging evaluation of post pancreatic surgery

The role of several imaging techniques in patients submitted to pancreatic surgery with special emphasis to single-slice helical computed tomography (CT) and multidetector-row CT (MDCT) was reviewed. Several surgical options may be performed such as Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, central pancreatectomy, and total pancreatectomy. Ultrasound examination may be used to detect peritoneal fluid in the early post-operative period as well as lesion recurrence in long-term follow-up. Radiological gastrointestinal studies has a major role in evaluation of intestinal functionality. In spite of the advent of other imaging modalities, CT is the most effective after pancreatic surgery. On post-operative CT, the most common findings were small fluid peritoneal or pancreatic collections, stranding of the mesenteric fat with perivascular cuffing, reactive adenopathy and pneumobilia. In addition, CT may demonstrate early (leakage of anastomosis, pancreatico-jejunal fistula, haemorrage, acute pancreatitis of the remnant pancreas, peritonitis), and late (chronic fistula, abscess, aneurysms, anastomotic bilio-digestive stenosis, perianastomotic ulcers, biloma, and intra-abdominal bleeding) surgical complications. In the follow-up evaluation, CT may show tumor recurrence, liver and lymph nodes metastasis. Magnetic resonance may be used as alternative imaging modality to CT, when renal insufficiency or contrast sensitivity prevents the use of iodinated i.v. contrast material or when the biliary tree study is primarily requested. The knowledge of the type of surgical procedures, the proper identification of the anastomoses as well as the normal post-operative imaging appearances are essential for an accurate detection of the complications and recurrent disease.

Indications and technique of central pancreatectomy-early and late results

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Central pancreatectomy (CP) is an operation that allows one to resect benign or low grade malignant tumours located in the pancreatic isthmus that are not suitable for enucleation. The main advantage of this operation compared with major resections is that it permits to spare normal pancreatic parenchyma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The operation is carried out by exposition of the pancreatic neck involved by the lesion. Thereafter, the gland is dissected from the splenic artery and porto-mesenteric axis and divided with a 1 cm clear margin. The cephalic stump is sutured, and the distal stump is anastomosed end-to-end or end-to-side with a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop. We treated 20 patients with this technique. The indications for CP were: serous cystadenoma in seven patients, mucinous in three, solid cystic papillary tumour in one, metastasis from renal cancer in one and endocrine tumour in eight patients.

RESULTS

Mortality rate was 0% and morbidity rate was 35%; pancreatic fistulas occurred in 25% of the cases and were treated conservatively. Results of postoperative endocrine and exocrine function tests were normal in all controlled patients. All the patients are alive without evidence of local recurrence.

CONCLUSION

CP is a safe technique for benign or low-grade malignant tumours of the pancreatic neck that allows one to cure the tumour with evident functional results without increasing the risk to the patient.

Surgery of resectable nonfunctioning neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors

Nonfunctioning neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors (NFNEPTs) comprise about one-third of pancreatic endocrine tumors. Based on immunohistochemistry, nonfunctioning tumors are difficult to distinguish from functioning ones; therefore the final diagnosis is basically the result of a synopsis of pathology and clinical data. Owing to their incapacity to produce hormone-dependent symptoms, NFNEPTs are detected incidentally or because of uncharacteristic symptoms resulting from local or distant growth. About two-thirds of NFNEPTs are located in the pancreatic head, so jaundice may be a late symptom of this tumor. Modern diagnostic procedures are best applied by a stepwise approach: first endoscopic ultrasonography and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging followed by somatostatin receptor scintigraphy or positron emission tomography (or both). Due to significant false-positive and false-negative findings, for decision-making the latter should be confirmed by a second imaging modality. Regarding indications for surgery and the surgical approach to the pancreas, three pancreatic manifestations of NFNEPTs can be distinguished: (1) solitary benign non-multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (non-MEN-1); (2) multiple benign MEN-1; and (3) malignant NFNEPTs. Reviewing the literature and including our experience with 18 NFNEPTs (8 benign, 10 malignant) reported here, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) Solitary benign non-MEN-1 NFNEPTs can be removed by enucleation or by pancreas-, spleen-, and duodenum-preserving techniques in most cases. The choice of surgical technique depends on the location and site of the tumor and its anatomic relation to the pancreatic duct. (2) With multiple benign MEN-1 NFNEPTs, because of the characteristics of the underlying disease a preferred, more conservative concept (removal of only macrolesions) competes with a more radical procedure (left pancreatic resection with enucleation of head macrolesions). Further studies are necessary to clarify the best way to balance quality of life (by preserving organ function) with growth control of potentially malignant tumors in the pancreas. (3) Malignant NFNEPTs comprise more than half of all NFNEPTs. Few studies have analyzed treatment strategies for localized or metastatic tumors. Whereas radical (including multivisceral) resection of tumors without distant metastases is widely accepted, the indication for radical surgery on metastasizing tumors has been questioned, as radical removal of the primary tumor may fail to increase survival. Adjuvant regimens in these tumor stages are mandatory and should be further optimized.

Mucin Secreting Cystic Lesions of the Pancreas: Treatment by Enucleation

Ninety per cent of pancreatic cysts are inflammatory pseudocysts. The other 10 per cent are congenital or neoplastic and include congenital true cysts, retention cysts, lymphoepithelial cysts, the mucinous cystadenoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, and serous microcystic cystadenomas and the more recently described intraductal papillary mucin-secreting neoplasms. The advent of computerized tomographic scanning, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has brought many of these lesions to light when they are minimally symptomatic or are incidentally found while investigating unrelated problems. If there is any suspicion of actual or potentially malignant disease, then total excision of the lesion with part of or the entire pancreas is indicated to achieve a likely cure, as survival is better than for the more common ductal adenocarcinomas. There are few reliable preoperative studies to distinguish accurately the etiology and prognosis of this spectrum of cystic lesions, and usually the actual diagnosis is made only at the time of operation or histopathologic examination after the cystic lesion has been biopsied or excised. If a cyst is confirmed to be totally benign, as in the congenital true cyst, lymphoepithelial cyst, or a benign mucinous cyst, they may lend themselves to nonoperative observation or excision without sacrifice of pancreatic parenchyma. However, many mucin-producing cystic lesions may evolve into a dysplastic or invasive malignant lesion requiring more aggressive resective treatment, and it is important not to miss that diagnosis early when cure is still possible. This report presents four benign mucin-secreting cysts treated by local excision. All four were in the head of the pancreas and communicated with the main pancreatic duct and lacked ovarian-type stroma, thus categorizing them as side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. These lesions were able to be easily dissected out of the pancreas with only one patient developing a transient pancreatic fistula. Intraoperative and final histopathology confirmed the benign status, and these patients have remained disease free 3 to 5 years postoperatively. A review of benign tumors reported to have been treated by cyst enucleation in the literature confirms the rationale of this approach in highly selected lesions.