Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenic conservation: an operation without increased morbidity. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2009;2009:846340. [PMID: 20049337 PMCID: PMC2798083 DOI: 10.1155/2009/846340]

Mapping global new-onset, worsening, and resolution of diabetes following partial pancreatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Partial pancreatectomy, commonly used for chronic pancreatitis, or pancreatic lesions, has diverse impacts on endocrine and metabolism system. The study aims to determine the global prevalence of new-onset, worsening, and resolution of diabetes following partial pancreatectomy.

METHODS

The authors searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to October, 2023. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model with Logit transformation was used. Sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and subgroup analysis were employed to investigate determinants of the prevalence of new-onset diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 82 studies involving 13 257 patients were included. The overall prevalence of new-onset diabetes after partial pancreatectomy was 17.1%. Univariate meta-regression indicated that study size was the cause of heterogeneity. Multivariable analysis suggested that income of country or area had the highest predictor importance (49.7%). For subgroup analysis, the prevalence of new-onset diabetes varied from 7.6% (France, 95% CI: 4.3-13.0) to 38.0% (UK, 95% CI: 28.2-48.8, P <0.01) across different countries. Patients with surgical indications for chronic pancreatitis exhibited a higher prevalence (30.7%, 95% CI: 21.8-41.3) than those with pancreatic lesions (16.4%, 95% CI: 14.3-18.7, P <0.01). The type of surgical procedure also influenced the prevalence, with distal pancreatectomy having the highest prevalence (23.7%, 95% CI: 22.2-25.3, P <0.01). Moreover, the prevalence of worsening and resolution of preoperative diabetes was 41.1 and 25.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative diabetes has a relatively high prevalence in patients undergoing partial pancreatectomy, which calls for attention and dedicated action from primary care physicians, specialists, and health policy makers alike.

Comparison of clinical outcomes and quality of life between laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with or without spleen preservation

BACKGROUND

The studies comparing laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) and laparoscopic distal pancreatosplenectomy (LDPS) are limited. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients undergoing LSPDP and LDPS.

METHODS

Between March 2004 and December 2014, patients who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups as LSPDP and LDPS. Data considered for comparison analysis were patient demographics, intraoperative variables, morbidity, postoperative hospital stay, mortality, pathologic findings, and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire).

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients (50 LSPDP and 60 LDPS) were included in the final analysis. Baseline characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. The LSPDP group had a significantly shorter operative time(153.3 ± 46.2 vs. 179.9 ± 54.1 min, p = 0.015) than the LDPS group. Also in analysis of propensity-matched population(LSPDP:LDPS = 35:35, 1:1 matching), LSPDP group still had a significantly shorter operative time (159.3 ± 36.2 vs. 172.9 ± 44.1 min, p = 0.045) than the LDPS group.There were no significant differences with respect to estimated blood loss, first flatus time, diet start time, and postoperative hospital stay. Postoperative outcomes, including morbidity, pancreatic fistula rates, and mortality, were similar in the LSPDP and LDPS group. On the follow-up survey, the total quality of life score (635.8 ± 50.7 vs. 596.1 ± 92.1)was higher in the LSPDP group compared with the LDPS group. However, the differences were not statistically significant(p > 0.05). The score in vitality (82.5 ± 14.4 vs. 68.9 ± 11.4, p = 0.046) was significantly higher in LSPDP group and not statistically significant in other areas (p > 0.05).Similar results of quality of life assessment were found in analysis of propensity-matched population.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to LDPS, LSPDP had shorter operating time and better quality of life with similar morbidity and recovery period.

Impact of Spleen Preserving Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy on Postoperative Infectious Complications: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy is the standard procedure for body and tail pancreatic tumors. Technical difficulties arising from the strict anatomical relationship between pancreas and splenic vessels generally impose a concomitant splenectomy. Previous retrospective studies have shown a reduced risk of postoperative complications and infections in spleen preserved patients, but this is still a debated issue. Aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a more robust evidence on the effect of spleen preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

METHODS

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were consulted. Pooled effect measures were calculated using an inverse-variance weighted or Mantel-Haenszel in random effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I²-index and Cochran Q-test.

RESULTS

Ten observational studies were eligible, and 632 patients were included in the quantitative analysis. Overall, 296 (46.8%) patients underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (Group S), and 336 (53.2%) patients underwent spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (Group SP). In-hospital mortality was 0%. In the group S, the estimated pooled odds ratio of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) and overall complications was 1.51 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.28; P = .048) and 2.30 (95% CI: 1.11-4.76; P = .024). The estimated pooled odds ratio of pancreatic fistula, postoperative bleeding, and reoperation was 1.64 (P = .094), 1.01 (P = .987), and 1.24 (P = .776), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy may reduce postoperative SSI and overall complications. These results should be interpreted with caution but seem meaningful to establish a better evidence-based treatment for distal pancreatic tumors. Further studies are warranted to analyze the role of spleen preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy on long-term outcomes.

Laparoscopic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy (LSPDP) with Preservation of Splenic Vessels: An Inferior-Posterior Approach

Objective

To summarize the operation experience of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) with preservation of splenic vessels by an inferior-posterior dissection of the pancreatic body and evaluate its feasibility.

Methods

Patients undergoing LSPDS at Ningbo Li Huili Hospital and Ningbo Li Huili Eastern Hospital from January 2014 to April 2017 were recruited in this study and were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: the inferior-posterior approach group and the other approach group. We sought to compare outcomes of the two groups.

Results

The LSPDP procedure was completed successfully in 49 cases, and 48 patients had their splenic artery and vein preserved, including 26 cases in the inferior-posterior approach group and 22 cases in the other approach group. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to age (p = 0.18), sex (p = 0.56), preoperative diabetes (p = 1.00), ASA grading (p = 1.00), tumor size (p = 0.91), intraoperative blood loss (t = −0.01, p = 0.99), hospital stay (t = −0.02, p = 0.98), and pancreatic fistula rates (p = 1.00). Patients undergoing LSPDP by the inferior-posterior approach had a shorter operative time (t = −4.13, p < 0.001) than the other approach group.

Conclusions

LSPDS by the inferior-posterior approach associated with shorter operative time is safe and feasible.

Distal pancreatectomy for benign and low grade malignant tumors: Short-term postoperative outcomes of spleen preservation-A systematic review and update meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The value of spleen preservation with distal pancreatectomy (DP) for benign and low grade malignant tumors remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term postoperative clinical outcomes in patients undergoing DP with splenectomy (DPS) or spleen preservation (SPDP).

METHODS

Online database search was performed (2000 to present); key bibliographies were reviewed. Studies comparing patients undergoing DP with either DPS or SPDP, and assessing postoperative complications were included.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of included data showed SPDP patients had significantly less operative blood loss, shorter duration of hospitalization, lower incidence of fluid collection and abscess, lower incidence of postoperative splenic and portal vein thrombosis, and lower incidence of new onset postoperative diabetes. For the whole group, there was no difference in incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (RR = 0.95; 95%CI 0.65-1.40, P = 0.80), however, subgroup analysis of studies using ISGPF criteria showed that DPS patients had increased rates of Grade B/C POPF (RR = 1.35; 95%CI 1.08-1.70, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

SPDP for benign and low grade malignant tumors is associated with shorter hospital stay and decreased morbidity compared to DPS. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:137-143. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Laparoscopic surgery for pancreatic neoplasms: the European association for endoscopic surgery clinical consensus conference

BACKGROUND

Introduced more than 20 years ago, laparoscopic pancreatic surgery (LAPS) has not reached a uniform acceptance among HPB surgeons. As a result, there is no consensus regarding its use in patients with pancreatic neoplasms. This study, organized by the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), aimed to develop consensus statements and clinical recommendations on the application of LAPS in these patients.

METHODS

An international panel of experts was selected based on their clinical and scientific expertise in laparoscopic and open pancreatic surgery. Each panelist performed a critical appraisal of the literature and prepared evidence-based statements assessed by other panelists during Delphi process. The statements were further discussed during a one-day face-to-face meeting followed by the second round of Delphi. Modified statements were presented at the plenary session of the 24th International Congress of the EAES in Amsterdam and in a web-based survey.

RESULTS

LAPS included laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP), pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD), enucleation, central pancreatectomy, and ultrasound. In general, LAPS was found to be safe, especially in experienced hands, and also advantageous over an open approach in terms of intraoperative blood loss, postoperative recovery, and quality of life. Eighty-five percent or higher proportion of responders agreed with the majority (69.5%) of statements. However, the evidence is predominantly based on retrospective case-control studies and systematic reviews of these studies, clearly affected by selection bias. Furthermore, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been published to date, although four RCTs are currently underway in Europe.

CONCLUSIONS

LAPS is currently in its development and exploration stages, as defined by the international IDEAL framework for surgical innovation. LDP is feasible and safe, performed in many centers, while LPD is limited to few centers. RCTs and registry studies are essential to proceed with the assessment of LAPS.

Splenic preservation in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

Background

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) is designed principally for the removal of benign and low-grade malignant lesions in the left pancreas. The aims of this study were to compare LSPDP with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (LDPS), compare two splenic preservation techniques (splenic vessel preservation and Warshaw technique) and investigate factors that influence splenic preservation.

Methods

Information from patients who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy between December 2004 and January 2016 at a single institution was reviewed. Data were extracted from a prospectively developed database. Intention-to-treat and propensity score matching analyses were employed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to investigate factors affecting splenic preservation.

Results

There were 206 patients in total (126 planned LSPDP and 80 planned LDPS procedures), of whom 108 underwent LSPDP and 98 LDPS. In intention-to-treat analysis, the duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the LSPDP group than in the LDPS group (mean 191·0 versus 220·5 min respectively; P &lt; 0·001). Tumour size was an independent risk factor for splenic vessel resection in planned splenic vessel preservation operations, and a cut-off value of 3 cm provided optimal diagnostic accuracy. After a median follow-up of 35·9 months, there were no clinically significant splenic infarctions and no patient developed gastrointestinal bleeding after LSPDP.

Conclusion

Planned LSPDP had a high splenic preservation rate and was associated with significantly shorter operating time than LDPS. Splenic vessel preservation could be predicted using a tumour cut-off size of 3 cm.

Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery for benign and malignant disease

Laparoscopic surgery for benign and malignant pancreatic lesions has slowly been gaining acceptance over the past decade and is being introduced in many centres. Some studies suggest that this approach is equivalent to or better than open surgery, but randomized data are needed to assess outcomes. In this Review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in laparoscopic pancreatic surgery by aggregating high-quality published evidence. Various aspects, including the benefits, limitations, oncological efficacy, learning curve and latest innovations, are discussed. The focus is on laparoscopic Whipple procedure and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for both benign and malignant disease, but robot-assisted surgery is also addressed. Surgical and oncological outcomes are discussed as well as quality of life parameters and the cost efficiency of laparoscopic pancreatic surgery. We have also included decision-aid algorithms based on the literature and our own expertise; these algorithms can assist in the decision to perform a laparoscopic or open procedure.

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy in a solitary true pancreatic cyst

BACKGROUND

Solitary true pancreatic cysts (STPCs), or epithelial cysts, are benign lesions that are extremely rare in adult patients. Advances in radiographic techniques have improved the ability to identify pancreatic cystic lesions. We report a case of a large and symptomatic STPC in a 47-year-old female patient who was treated successfully with spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. We also review the clinical and pathologic features of all reported STPCs within the past 25 years.

DATABASE

To compose the review, we did a search of the international literature for STPCs that had occurred in adults. Fourteen related articles were found describing cases of STPCs. Clinical and pathologic information was collected for all of the reported pancreatic cysts, and a database was formed. STPCs are detected more frequently in women than in men. The mean age of occurrence is 43.2 years, and the mean cyst size is 5.6 cm. Fifty percent of true cysts are located in the head of the pancreas. Size and site are responsible for the symptoms caused, although 22.8% were asymptomatic. Diagnosis was made postoperatively in all cases by histopathologic studies. No case of malignancy was reported in any STPC.

CONCLUSIONS

STPCs are rare and benign lesions commonly discovered incidentally during abdominal imaging. Surgical treatment is considered the appropriate therapy for large and symptomatic STPCs. The definitive diagnosis is established by histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies.

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic neoplasms: A retrospective study

AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics, technical procedures, and outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) for benign and malignant pancreatic neoplasms.

METHODS: The clinical data of 38 patients who underwent LSPDP in the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between January 2003 and August 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Surgical techniques for LSPDP included preservation of the splenic artery and vein (Kimura’s technique) and ligation of the splenic pedicle with preservation of the short gastric vessels (Warshaw’s technique).

RESULTS: There were no conversions to open surgery in the 38 patients. Splenic vessels were conserved during spleen-preserving pancreatectomy, except in two patients who underwent resection of the splenic vessels and preservation only of the short gastric vessels. The mean operation time was 123.2 ± 52.4 min, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 78.2 ± 39.5 mL, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.6 ± 2.9 d. The overall rate of postoperative complications was 18.4% (7/38), and the rate of clinical pancreatic fistula was 13.2% (5/38). All postoperative complications were treated conservatively. The postoperative pathological diagnoses were 22 cases of benign pancreatic disease and 16 cases of borderline or low-grade malignant lesions. During a median follow-up of 38 mo (range: 5-133 mo), no recurrence was observed.

CONCLUSION: LSPDP is a safe, feasible and effective procedure for the treatment of benign and low-grade malignant tumors of the distal pancreas.

Clinical value of spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy: a case-matched analysis with a special emphasis on the postoperative systemic inflammatory response

BACKGROUND

The impact of splenectomy on outcomes after distal pancreatectomy was assessed in the present study, with a special emphasis on the postoperative systemic inflammatory response.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy-Kimura technique (SPDP group) were compared with a group of distal pancreatectomies with splenectomy (DPS group). The two groups were 1:1 matched for age, gender, co-morbidities and pathology.

RESULTS

No differences between the groups were observed regarding the overall/severe/infectious morbidity, pancreatic fistulae and postoperative diabetes rates (P-values ≥ 0.475). An increased blood loss (P = 0.031) and need for intraoperative transfusions (P = 0.004) was observed in the DPS group. Postoperative platelet count and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher in the DPS group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Spleen removal during DP is not associated with a higher morbidity but with an increased blood loss and need for intraoperative transfusions. Although the postoperative systemic inflammatory response is higher when the splenectomy is performed, the number of postoperative infectious complications is not influenced. Preservation of the spleen during DP for benign and low-grade malignant tumor of the distal pancreas appears to be worthy and should be the first option whenever is technically feasible and it can be safely achieved.

Lesser curvature approach in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) has entailed ventrally retracting the stomach to afford adequate visualization. The retracted stomach commonly droops over the pancreas and obstructs the surgical field, thus forcing the assistant surgeon to repeatedly lift the stomach out of the way ventrally and cranially. We herein reported LDP using the "lesser curvature approach" in which the pancreas was approached cephalad to the lesser curvature of the stomach in underweight patients with a coincidental low hanging stomach. An excellent view of both the distal pancreas and the spleen could be afforded, enabling complete mobilization of these organs from the retroperitoneum and easy ligation of the splenic vessels, without needing to retract the stomach ventrally and cranially. The lesser curvature approach in LDP could be performed safely and efficiently as an alternative to the conventional greater curvature approach in underweight patients with a low hanging stomach.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is as safe and feasible as open procedure: A meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) compared with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP).

METHODS: Meta-analysis was performed using the databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science and BIOSIS Previews. Articles should contain quantitative data of the comparison of LDP and ODP. Each article was reviewed by two authors. Indices of operative time, spleen-preserving rate, time to fluid intake, ratio of malignant tumors, postoperative hospital stay, incidence rate of pancreatic fistula and overall morbidity rate were analyzed.

RESULTS: Nine articles with 1341 patients who underwent pancreatectomy met the inclusion criteria. LDP was performed in 501 (37.4%) patients, while ODP was performed in 840 (62.6%) patients. There were significant differences in the operative time, time to fluid intake, postoperative hospital stay and spleen-preserving rate between LDP and ODP. There was no difference between the two groups in pancreatic fistula rate [random effects model, risk ratio (RR) 0.996 (0.663, 1.494), P = 0.983, I² = 28.4%] and overall morbidity rate [random effects model, RR 0.81 (0.596, 1.101), P = 0.178, I² = 55.6%].

CONCLUSION: LDP has the advantages of shorter hospital stay and operative time, more rapid recovery and higher spleen-preserving rate as compared with ODP.

Distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy: comparison of postoperative outcomes and surrogates of splenic function

OBJECTIVES

Published data on splenic preservation during distal pancreatectomy have been inconsistent. We hypothesized that patients undergoing spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) would have fewer infectious and non-infectious complications than those undergoing en bloc distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (DPS), and that their haematological parameters would be consistent with splenic function.

METHODS

Of 97 patients who underwent either SPDP using the Warshaw technique or en bloc DPS, 78 met our study inclusion criteria. Records were reviewed for data on age, gender, resection, indications for resection, operative time, blood loss, transfusion requirements, hospital stay, infectious complications, any other complications, postoperative white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts. Data were analysed using the chi-squared test, the two-sided Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon text, and simple and multiple logistic regression analyses. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing SPDP had a shorter length of stay and shorter operative time, were more likely to be completed laparoscopically, less likely to require re-operation, and had fewer infectious and non-infectious complications. However, these differences were not statistically significant. In multiple logistic regression analyses, patient age and length of hospital stay were both significant predictors of the occurrence of non-infectious complications (P= 0.04 and P= 0.006, respectively). Blood transfusion was a significant predictor of postoperative morbidity (P= 0.013 for infectious complications; P= 0.018 for non-infectious complications). White blood cell count was a statistically significant predictor of infectious (P= 0.02) and non-infectious (P= 0.04) complications, whereas platelet count was not. Patients who underwent DPS had statistically significantly higher WBC and platelet counts immediately postoperatively and at 6 months compared with SPDP patients. Postoperative mortality in both the SPDP and DPS groups was 0%. None of the 30 SPDP patients had evidence of splenic infarction. Pancreatic leaks occurred in 18% of patients in the SPDP group, compared with 8% in the DPS group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy using the Warshaw technique is associated with lower postoperative morbidity than DPS. Lower WBC and platelet counts suggest better splenic function in SPDP patients.

Endoscopic localization and tattooing of a proinsulinoma for minimally invasive resection

Hypoglycemia can be common in patients using insulin injections or certain antidiabetes medications. In rare cases, hypoglycemia can be caused by a pancreatic insulinoma. We report a case of a 33-year-old woman found to have severe recurrent hypoglycemia. Diagnostic studies such as continuous glucose monitoring and a hospitalized fast provided biochemical evidence for a proinsulinoma. After abdominal multidetector contrast-enhanced computerized tomography failed to detect pancreatic abnormalities, endoscopic ultrasonography identified and localized a 9-mm pancreatic tail lesion. At the time of endoscopy, the lesion was tattooed with ultrasonographic guidance for subsequent laparoscopic visualization and curative resection.