Laparoscopic pancreatectomy for solid pseudo-papillary tumors of the pancreas is a suitable technique; our experience with long-term follow-up and review of the literature

Outcome and survival were similar with laparoscopic and open pancreatectomy in 102 solid pseudopapillary neoplasms

BACKGROUND

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas (SPNP) are rare tumors predominantly in young women. We report the largest single-center cohort study comparing resection of SPNP by laparoscopic approach (LA) and the open approach (OA).

METHOD

Between 2001 and 2021, 102 patients (84% women, median age: 30) underwent pancreatectomy for SPNP and were retrospectively studied. Demographic, perioperative, pathological, early and the long-term results were evaluated between patients operated by LA and those by OA.

RESULTS

Population included 40 LA and 62 OA. There were no significant differences in demographics data between the groups. A preoperative biopsy by endoscopic ultrasound was performed in 45 patients (44%) with no difference between the groups. Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) was less frequently performed by LA (25 vs 53%, p = 0.004) and distal pancreatectomy (DP) was more frequently performed by LA (40 vs 16%, p = 0.003). In the subgroup analysis by surgical procedure, LA-PD was associated with one mortality, less median blood loss (180 vs 200 ml, p = 0.034) and fewer harvested lymph nodes (11 vs 15, p = 0.02). LA-DP was associated with smaller median tumor size on imaging (40 vs 80mm, p = 0.048), shorter surgery (135 vs 190 min, p = 0.028), and fewer complications according to the median comprehensive complication index score (0 vs 8.7, p = 0.048). LA-Central pancreatectomy was associated with shorter surgery (160 vs 240, p = 0.037), less median blood loss (60 vs 200, p = 0.043), and less harvested lymph nodes (5 vs 2, p = 0.025). After a median follow-up of 60 months, two recurrences (2%) were observed and were unrelated to the approach.

CONCLUSIONS

The LA for SPNP appears to be safe, should be applied cautiously in case of PD for large lesion, and was not associated with recurrence.

Laparoscopic Resection of Pediatric Solid Pseudopapillary Tumors of the Pancreas

BACKGROUND

Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of the pancreas arise rarely in children, are often large, and can associate intimately with splenic vessels. Splenic preservation is a fundamental consideration when resecting distal SPT. Occasionally, the main splenic vessels must be divided to resect the SPT with negative margins, but the spleen can be preserved if the short gastric vessels remain intact (ie, Warshaw procedure). The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of distal pancreatectomy (DP) for SPT in children and to highlight 2 cases of splenic preservation using the Warshaw procedure.

METHODS

Patients 19 years and younger who were treated at a single children's hospital between July 2004 and January 2021 were examined. Patient characteristics were collected from the electronic medical record. A pediatric radiologist calculated SPT and pre- and post-operative (ie, non-infarcted) splenic volumes.

RESULTS

Eleven patients received DP for SPT. Six DPs were performed open and 5 laparoscopically. The spleen was preserved in 3 open and 4 laparoscopic DPs. A laparoscopic Warshaw procedure was performed in 2 patients. Laparoscopic resection associated with less frequent epidural use (P = .015), shorter time to full diet (P = .030), and post-operative length of stay (P = .009), compared to open resection. Average residual splenic volume after the laparoscopic Warshaw procedure was 70% of preoperative volume.

DISCUSSION

Laparoscopic DP for pediatric SPT achieved similar oncologic goals to open resection. Splenic preservation was feasible with laparoscopy in most cases and was successfully supplemented with the Warshaw procedure, which has not been previously reported for SPT resection in children.

Minimally invasive surgery of the pancreas: a narrative review of current practice

Minimally invasive surgery has moved from the fringe of pediatric surgery to the mainstream to address a variety of problems. Pancreatic pathology, though uncommon and complex, is frequently amenable to laparoscopic intervention. Indications for pediatric pancreatic operative intervention includes trauma, congenital hyperinsulinemia and neoplasm. Children may require distal pancreatectomy, subtotal pancreatectomy, enucleation, lateral pancreaticojejunostomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy. Of these operations, all but pancreaticoduodenectomy have been successfully described in children using a minimally invasive approach. Traumatic transection of the main pancreatic duct may require operative intervention if endoscopic techniques are unsuccessful. Distal pancreatectomy has been successfully utilized in this circumstance. Additionally, near total pancreatectomy may also be performed laparoscopically although successful reports are limited. Enucleation, especially with the use of intraoperative ultrasound may avoid a large laparotomy for isolated benign masses. Finally, chronic pancreatitis resulting in a dilated main pancreatic duct may benefit from a lateral pancreaticojejunostomy. This operation has also successfully been performed in children. Included is a review of pediatric pancreatic minimally invasive operations paired with corresponding pathology.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Minimally Invasive Pancreatectomies for Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas

OBJECTIVES

We report the first systematic review and meta-analysis on minimally invasive pancreatectomy (MIP) for solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPPN) of the pancreas.

METHODS

A systematic review of all studies reporting patient characteristics and outcomes of MIP for SPPN was conducted.

RESULTS

We reviewed 27 studies comprising 149 patients with SPPN managed via MIP. Five were comparative retrospective cohort studies, comprising 46 and 60 patients in the minimally-invasive and open groups, respectively. Tumor size was smaller in the minimally-invasive group (mean difference, -2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), -3.09 to -1.32; P < 0.001). The MI group had lower intraoperative blood loss (mean difference, -180.19; 95% CI, -344.28 to -16.09; P = 0.03) and transfusion requirement (relative risk, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06-0.94; P = 0.04), and a shorter time to diet (mean difference, -2.99; 95% CI, -3.96 to -2.03; P < 0.001) and length of stay (mean difference, -3.61; 95% CI, -6.98 to -0.24; P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in operating time, margin positivity, postoperative morbidity, and postoperative pancreatic fistula rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive pancreatectomy for SPPN is associated with decreased intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements and a shorter postoperative time to diet and hospital stay.

Outcome of minimally-invasive versus open pancreatectomies for solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas: A 2:1 matched case-control study

Backgrounds/Aims

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPPN) is typically seen in young healthy females who would likely benefit from minimally-invasive pancreatectomy (MIP). A few comparative studies have suggested that MIP is associated with favorable outcomes when compared to the open approach for SPPN. This study aims to mitigate potential selection bias by performing a matched case-control study comparing MIP vs open pancreatectomy (OP) for SPPN.

Methods

We performed a single-institution retrospective electronic chart review of all patients who underwent surgery for pathologically confirmed SPPN between 2000 and 2017. A 2:1 matched comparison using age, gender, tumor size and the type of pancreatectomy was performed between OP and MIP.

Results

A total of 40 patients with a median age of 40.3 years (range 16.5-64.4) and female sex predominance (n=34, 85.0%) underwent surgery during the study period. Nine patients underwent MIP. Matched comparison between 18 OP and 9 MIP demonstrated that MIP was associated with a longer median operating time (305 vs 180 min, p=0.046) and shorter median postoperative stay (6 vs 9 days, p=0.015). There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion requirements, postoperative morbidity (including postoperative pancreatic fistula) and mortality, resection margins, lymph node yield and long-term survival.

Conclusions

MIP is a safe and viable option in the management of SPPN with the benefit of a shorter postoperative length of stay at the expense of a longer operation time. There was no significant difference in oncologic outcomes between both groups of patients.

Warshaw Technique in Laparoscopic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy: Surgical Strategy and Late Outcomes of Splenic Preservation

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) can be accomplished with either the preservation or the resection of splenic vessels; the latter is also known as Warshaw technique. Our study is designed to investigate the operation selection strategy when proceeding LSPDP and to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing Warshaw surgery. The medical records and follow-up data of patients who underwent LSPDP in Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, were reviewed retrospectively. A total of thirty-five patients were involved in this study, including 17 cases of patients who were treated with Warshaw procedure (WT) while the other 18 cases had splenic vessels preserved (SVP). Compared with the SVP group, the operative time and intraoperative blood loss in WT group were improved significantly. The incidence of early postoperative splenic infarction was higher in WT group. However, there was no report of splenic abscess or second operation. Follow-up data confirmed that there was no significant difference in spleen phagocytosis and immune function compared with normal healthy population. Our study confirms that LSPDP-Warshaw procedure is a safe and efficient treatment for the benign or low grade malignant tumors in distal pancreas in selected patients. The long-term spleen function is normal after Warshaw procedure. Preoperative assessment and intraoperative exploration are recommended for the selection of operation approaches.

Surgical Management of Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas

Background and Objectives:

Although solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is rare, its diagnosis has increased severalfold in the past decades. We present our experience in the management of SPT, including a patient who experienced tumor rupture during laparoscopy pancreatic resection.

Methods:

Data on all patients with SPT who were subjected to surgical treatment were retrospectively obtained.

Results:

Of 20 patients evaluated, 17 (85%) were females. The mean age was 31 years. Tumor size varied from 2.7 × 1.5 to 13.5 × 10.0 cm, with a mean of 6.4 × 7.6 cm. The most common location was the tail and/or body of the pancreas (14 patients [70%]). Pancreatic tumor resection was performed in 19 patients (50%). The type of resection depended on tumor location and size: distal pancreatectomy (n = 13), pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 5), and central pancreatectomy (n = 1) Pancreatic resection was performed via laparoscopy in 7 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy. Tumor resection was not performed in only 1 patient (5%), due to invasion of mesenteric vessels and presence of liver metastases. One patient had tumor rupture during laparoscopic resection, with no apparent macroscopic dissemination of the tumor. All 19 patients who underwent SPT resection had no tumor recurrence, including a patient with capsule invasion and another patient with tumor rupture during surgical dissection. The mean follow-up time was 38 months (range, 6–72 months).

Conclusion:

Complete SPT resection is possible in most patients, with a low recurrence rate. Because of its large size, laparoscopic resection of SPT's should be performed only by experienced surgeons to avoid tumor rupture.

Robotic-assisted, spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy for a solid pseudopapillary tumour in a pediatric patient: a case report and review of the literature

Solid pseudopapillary tumour is a rare carcinoma of the pancreas with low-grade malignant potential that typically presents in females in their third decade. The tumour most commonly occurs in the tail of the pancreas, although any site can be affected. Surgical resection is the standard treatment and offers an excellent prognosis. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery is an emerging technique for the treatment of pancreatic neoplasms. We report a case of a 17-year-old female with acute onset abdominal pain who was found to have a mass in the distal pancreas. A robotic-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation was successfully performed, its first reported use in a pediatric patient. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery. The robotic approach can be considered for younger patients presenting with a solid pseudopapillary tumour in the distal pancreas.

Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas: A Surgical and Genetic Enigma

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas are rare tumors accounting for 1-2% of pancreatic exocrine neoplasms. This entity was first described by Dr. Frantz in 1959 and was defined by the World Health Organization in 1996 as "solid pseudopapillary tumor." It is most often a benign neoplasm, but 10-15% of the cases are malignant. Over the past decades, the incidence of this tumor is increasing. However, many surgeons are still unfamiliar with this neoplasm and its unique characteristics, which can lead to pitfalls in the diagnosis and treatment. The correct diagnosis of SPNP is of utmost importance since it has a low malignant potential and with the appropriate treatment, patients have a long life expectancy. There are many genetic alterations, involving various signaling pathways that have been associated with SPNP and are very important in diagnosing the tumor. The cornerstone of SPNP treatment includes surgical excision of the tumor, preserving as much pancreatic tissue as possible. We review the information in the literature regarding more organ-preserving techniques and possible clinical features that might indicate a malignant potential, thus demanding a more radical intraoperative excision.

[Minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery for pancreatic cystic tumors]

BACKGROUND

The indications for resection of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL) are often complex and the operative risk has to be balanced against the risk of malignant transformation. The aim of the study was to provide a synopsis of the current treatment results of minimally invasive surgery for PCL.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using the Medline database (PubMed). Subsequently, the retrieved literature was selectively reviewed.

RESULTS

No published prospective randomized controlled trials have yet addressed the comparison of open and minimally invasive surgery of PCL; however, retrospective case studies have demonstrated the feasibility, safety and a comparable morbidity after minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (DP), pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), central (CP) or total pancreatectomy and enucleation. Whereas most DPs are performed laparoscopically, the experience of minimally invasive PD has been consolidated for the robot-assisted approach but is concentrated in only a few centers. The number of published reports on minimally invasive organ-sparing pancreas procedures (e. g. CP or enucleation) for PCL is scarce; however, the available (selected) results are promising.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive surgery for PCL has the potential to reduce the operative trauma to the patients, while at the same time causing comparable or less morbidity. This requires an increasing specialization of complex minimally invasive resections. The clinical use of robotic systems will grow for the latter cases. A prospective registry of the results should be mandatory for quality management.

SOLID PSEUDOPAPILLARY NEOPLASM OF THE PANCREAS

BACKGROUND

The solid pseudopapillary neoplasm is a rare tumor of the pancreas. However, it´s etiology still maintain discussions.

AIM

To analyze it´s clinical data, diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective study of medical records of all patients treated from January 1997 until July 2015.

RESULTS

Were identified 17 cases. Most patients were women (94.11%) and the average age was 32.88 years. The main complaint was abdominal mass (47.05%). The most frequent location was in the body/tail of the pancreas (72.22%) and the most frequently performed surgery was distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (64.70%). No patient had metastases at diagnosis. Conservative surgery for pancreatic parenchyma was performed in only three cases. The rate of complications in the postoperative period was 35.29% and the main complication was pancreatic fistula (29.41%). No patient underwent adjuvant treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment is surgical and the most common clinical presentation is abdominal mass. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was the most frequently performed surgery for its treatment.

Surgical treatment of pancreatic cystic tumors

The aim of this study was to assess short-term outcomes of surgical treatment of pancreatic cystic tumors (PCTs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 46 patients (31 women and 15 men) who had undergone surgery for pancreatic cystic tumors in our department.

RESULTS

Pancreatic cystic tumors were located within the pancreatic head (21), body (11), tail (13), and whole pancreas (1). The following surgical procedures were performed: pancreatoduodenectomy (20), central pancreatectomy (9), distal pancreatectomy (3), distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (3), distal extended pancreatectomy with splenectomy (2), total pancreatectomy (1), duodenum preserving pancreatic head resection (1), local tumor resection (4), and other procedures (2). Histopathological tumor types were as follows: serous cystadenoma (14), intraductal papillary mucinous adenoma (5), intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (5), solid pseudopapillary tumor (5), mucinous cystadenoma (5), mucinous cystadenoma with border malignancy (1), mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (2), adenocarcinoma (4), and other tumors (5). Early postoperative complications were observed in 14 (30.43%) patients. Reoperations were performed in 9 (19.56%) patients. The perioperative mortality rate was 6.52%.

CONCLUSIONS

Serous cystadenoma was the most common pancreatic cystic tumor in the analyzed group. PCTs were most frequently located within the pancreatic head. Pancreatic resection was possible in most patients, and pancreatoduodenectomy was the most common pancreatic resection type.

Pancreatic surgery for tumors in children and adolescents

PURPOSE

Pancreatic neoplasms are uncommon in children. This study sought to analyze the clinical and pathological features of surgically resected pancreatic tumors in children and discuss management strategies.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patients ≤21 years with pancreatic neoplasms who underwent surgery at a single institution between 1995 and 2015.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were identified with a median age at operation of 16.6 years (IQR 13.5-18.9). The most common histology was solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) (n = 13), followed by pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (n = 3), serous cystadenoma (n = 2) and pancreatoblastoma (n = 1). Operative procedures included formal pancreatectomy (n = 17), enucleation (n = 1) and central pancreatectomy (n = 1). SPNs were noninvasive in all but one case with perineural, vascular and lymph node involvement. Seventeen patients (89.5 %) are currently alive and disease free at a median follow-up of 5.7 (IQR 3.7-10.9) years. Two patients died: one with metastatic insulinoma and another with SPN who developed peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to a concurrent rectal adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric pancreatic tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplastic lesions for which surgery can be curative. SPN is the most common histology, is characterized by low malignant potential and in selected cases can be safely and effectively treated with a tissue-sparing resection and minimally invasive approach.

Laparoscopic surgery for solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas

Background and Objectives:

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas are rare and occur most frequently in young women. They have an uncertain pathogenesis and unclear clinical behavior. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical presentation of solid pseudopapillary tumors and assess the efficacy of treatment with minimally invasive surgery.

Methods:

From March 1997 to February 2011, 13 of 273 patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures on the pancreas were found to have solid pseudopapillary tumors. There were 12 female patients and 1 male patient. The median age was 21 years (range, 15–77 years). Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (n = 9). Tumors were incidentally found in 3 patients on computed tomography scans obtained for other reasons.

Results:

Enucleation of the tumor was performed in 4 patients, including 3 in whom the tumor was located in the head of the pancreas. Eight patients underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, whereas spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed in one case. The median tumor size was 6 cm (range, 1.5–11 cm), the median operative time was 197 minutes (range, 68–320 minutes), and the median blood loss was 50 mL (range, <50–750 mL). Distal resections were performed with a linear stapler. Four patients had postoperative complications. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2–12 days). During a median follow-up period of 11 months (range, 3–121 months), no local recurrences or distant metastases were found.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic resections and enucleations of solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas can be performed safely and with adequate resection margins even if the tumors are located in the head of the organ.

Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy with or without Preservation of the Spleen for Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare tumor of the pancreas. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (DP) is a feasible and safe procedure, and successful spleen preservation rates are higher using a laparoscopic approach. We hypothesized that certain patients with SPN would be good candidates for laparoscopic surgery; however, few surgeons have reported laparoscopic DP for SPN. We discuss the preoperative assessment and surgical simulation for two SPN cases. A simulation was designed because we consider that a thorough preoperative understanding of the procedure based on three-dimensional image analysis is important for successful laparoscopic DP. We also discuss the details of the actual laparoscopic DP with or without splenic preservation that we performed for our two SPN cases. It is critical to use appropriate instruments at appropriate points in the procedure; surgical instruments are numerous and varied, and surgeons should maximize the use of each instrument. Finally, we discuss the key techniques and surgical pitfalls in laparoscopic DP with or without splenic preservation. We conclude that experience alone is inadequate for successful laparoscopic surgery.

Retrospective analysis of short term outcomes after spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy for sodid pseudopapillary tumours

Solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumour (SPN) is a rare pancreatic tumour representing 0.1%-3% of all exocrine pancreatic tumours. Most SPN show benign and low-grade malignant behaviour; malignant degeneration is observed in 10-15% of the patients. More than 40% of SPN involve the tail of the pancreas leading to a minimal invasive distal pancreatectomy approach. In this report we present the case of a young 22 Caucasian woman suffering from SPN who successfully underwent laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. Postoperative course was uneventful. A CT scan control at six months was negative for recurrences. We have also made an analysis of all the laparoscopic treatment of SPN reported in English literature.

Laparoscopic central pancreatectomy for solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas: our experience with ten cases

Background

Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of the pancreas are a rare neoplasm. There are few reports of laparoscopic central pancreatectomies (LCPs) for SPT of the pancreas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and long-term outcome of LCP based on a series of SPT patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included ten patients who underwent LCP between 2009 and 2013. Clinical characteristics and intra- and postoperative data were retrospectively analyzed. A follow-up of at least 3 months was available for all patients.

Results

All procedures were successfully performed laparoscopically, and no patient required intraoperative blood transfusion. The median operative time was 271 min (range 250 to 310 min) and the median loss of blood was 104 ml (range 80 to 150 ml). The mean tumor size was 51 mm (range 38 to 62 mm). All patients underwent complete resection with negative surgical margin. An average of 5.8 lymph nodes were resected without metastases. The median first flatus time was 2 days, and the median starting time for diet was 3 days. The median postoperative hospital stay was 13 days (range 10 to 23 days). Morbidity was 20%. The median follow-up was 22.9 months (range 3 to 48 months), at which point all patients were alive with no recurrence. None of the patients developed exocrine or endocrine insufficiency. No hospital mortalities occurred in our patient group.

Conclusions

LCP is a safe and effective technique for resecting SPT of the neck and proximal body of the pancreas while preserving pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function, and the spleen.

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with and without splenic vessel preservation: the role of the Warshaw procedure

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) for low-grade malignant pancreas tumors was recently demonstrated. Although the procedure with splenic vessel preservation (SVP) is optimal for LSPDP, SVP is not always possible in patients with a large tumor or a tumor attached to splenic vessels. This study aimed to analyze the safety of two procedures: LSPDP without SVP, known as the Warshaw technique (lap-WT), and LSPDP with SVP (lap-SVP).

METHODS

Seventeen patients who underwent a lap-WT and seven patients who underwent a lap-SVP were investigated retrospectively.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 45 (range 17-105) months. In the lap-WT and lap-SVP patients, the sizes of the tumors were 5 (1.3-12) and 1.5 (1-4) cm; the operative times were 304 (168-512) and 319 (238-387) min; the blood loss was 210 (5-3250) and 60 (9-210) gr; the length of the postoperative hospital stay was 15 (8-29) and 18 (5-24) days; the peak platelet counts were 37.2 (14.6-65.2) and 26.4 (18.8-41) × 10(4)/μL, and splenomegaly was observed in 10 (59%) and three (43%) patients, respectively. In both procedures, there was no local recurrence. In the lap-WT group, splenic infarctions were seen in four (24%) patients and perigastric varices were seen in two (12%) patients. All of these patients were observed conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the lap-WT and lap-SVP were found to be safe and effective, and in cases in which the tumor is relatively large or close to the splenic vessels, lap-WT can be used as the more appropriate procedure.

Advances in minimally invasive surgery in pediatric patients

Surgery has changed dramatically over the last several decades. The emergence of MIS has allowed pediatric surgeons to manage critically ill neonates, children, and adolescents with improved outcomes in pain, postoperative course, cosmesis, and return to normal activity. Procedures that were once thought to be too difficult to attempt or even contraindicated in pediatric patients in many instances are now the standard of care. New and emerging techniques, such as single-incision laparoscopy, endoscopy-assisted surgery, robotic surgery, and techniques yet to be developed, all hold and reveal the potential for even further advancement in the management of these patients. The future of MIS in pediatrics is exciting; as long as our primary focus remains centered on developing techniques that limit morbidity and maximize positive outcomes for young patients and their families, the possibilities are both promising and infinite.

Pancreatic cysts: etiology, diagnosis and management

Pancreatic cysts involve a wide spectrum of pathologies from post-inflammatory cysts to malignant neoplasms. Pancreatic pseudocysts, serous cystadenomas, mucinous cystadenomas, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and solid pseudopapillary tumors occur most frequently. Differential diagnosis involves the following imaging investigations: transabdominal ultrasonography (TUS), contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancretography (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancretography (ERCP). The cyst fluid cytology is performed in difficult differential diagnosis between pseudocysts and benign and potentially malignant or malignant tumors. Most frequently, viscosity, amylase, CEA and CA 19-9 levels are determined. Imaging findings should be correlated with cytology. The management depends on the cyst type and size. Small asymptomatic pseudocysts, serous cystadenomas and branchduct IPMNs should be carefully observed, whereas symptomatic large or uncertain serous cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas, mucinous cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas, main-duct IPMNs and large branch-duct IPMNs with malignant features, serous and mucinous cystadenocarcinomas, and solid pseudopapillary tumors require surgery. Pseudocysts are usually drained. Percutaneous / EUS-guided or surgical cyst drainage can be performed. Complicated and uncertain pseudocysts and cystic tumors need surgical resection. The type of surgery depends on cyst location and size and includes proximal, central, distal, total pancreatectomies and enucleation.

A review of splenic pathology in distal pancreatectomies

OBJECTIVES

Splenectomy is often performed during distal pancreatectomy for malignancy, yet little data exist demonstrating splenic involvement in distal pancreatic pathology.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 81 distal pancreatectomies performed for suspected or known pancreatic malignancies from 6/1/05 to 7/6/11. Exclusion criteria included metastatic disease, previous splenic preserving distal pancreatectomy, or planned en-bloc resection, leaving 47 cases. Data collected included spleen, hilar lymph node, or splenic vessel involvement by malignancy as confirmed by final pathology report. This was correlated with preoperative computed tomography (CT).

RESULTS

Final pathology showed adenocarcinoma in 10 (21%) patients. Three patients with adenocarcinoma had invasion of the spleen, splenic vessels or nodes on pathology. The first involved the splenic flexure, necessitating en-bloc colon resection. The second had splenic artery involvement as identified by CT, but no malignancy within the spleen. The third had direct extension to one of 11 peri-splenic nodes with significant inflammatory reaction noted intraoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Splenectomy is not mandated for all distal pancreatic tumors, and the spleen can be preserved in an overwhelming majority of cases. Pre- and intraoperative factors can adequately identify the necessity of splenectomy, and the approach should be tailored to individual patients.

Laparoscopic vs open distal pancreatectomy for solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas

AIM: To compare short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic vs open distal pancreatectomy for solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 28 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy for SPT of the pancreas between 1998 and 2012. The patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: the laparoscopic surgery group and the open surgery group. The patients’ demographic data, operative results, pathological reports, hospital courses, morbidity and mortality, and follow-up data were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: Fifteen patients with SPT of the pancreas underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP), and 13 underwent open distal pancreatectomy (ODP). Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups except for a female predominance in the LDP group (100.0% vs 69.2%, P = 0.035). Mortality, morbidity (33.3% vs 38.5%, P = 1.000), pancreatic fistula rates (26.7% vs 30.8%, P = 0.728), and reoperation rates (0.0% vs 7.7%, P = 0.464) were similar in the two groups. There were no significant differences in the operating time (171 min vs 178 min, P = 0.755) between the two groups. The intraoperative blood loss (149 mL vs 580 mL, P = 0.002), transfusion requirement (6.7% vs 46.2%, P = 0.029), first flatus time (1.9 d vs 3.5 d, P = 0.000), diet start time (2.3 d vs 4.9 d, P = 0.000), and postoperative hospital stay (8.1 d vs 12.8 d, P = 0.029) were significantly less in the LDP group than in the ODP group. All patients had negative surgical margins at final pathology. There were no significant differences in number of lymph nodes harvested (4.6 vs 6.4, P = 0.549) between the two groups. The median follow-up was 33 (3-100) mo for the LDP group and 45 (17-127) mo for the ODP group. All patients were alive with one recurrence.

CONCLUSION: LDP for SPT has short-term benefits compared with ODP. Long-term outcomes of LDP are similar to those of ODP.

Laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy

In recent years laparoscopic pancreatic procedures have developed rapidly, and reports of laparoscopic resection including laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy have increased in number. On the other hand, many benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic lesions have recently been detected by the improved diagnostic modalities. Parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy is a preferred surgical procedure for such benign and low-malignancy pancreatic lesions, because parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy can avoid the unnecessary resection of the normal pancreatic parenchyma, thereby preserving the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas. Simultaneously, laparoscopic surgery has contributed to minimally invasive approaches for various pancreatic surgical procedures. The combination of laparoscopic surgery and parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy is an ideal surgical procedure for benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic lesions. For laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy to become more widely known and its indications clarified, it is necessary to demonstrate the clinical benefits, technical feasibility, and safety of this complex and difficult surgical procedure.

Role of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for solid pseudopapillary tumor

BACKGROUND

Since the first case report regarding laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (DP) for solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT), few additional articles have been published. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and long-term outcome of the laparoscopic DP based on a series of adult SPT patients.

METHODS

In a single-center study, we screened all adult patients undergoing a laparoscopic DP for SPT. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were retrospectively analysed and compared to the results of open DP for SPT published in the medical literature.

RESULTS

From April 2000 to June 2010, 5 adult female patients (median age 34 y) underwent a laparoscopic DP for an SPT. No conversion to open surgery was required. The median size of the tumor was 45 mm. The postoperative mortality rate was 0%, and serious complications (Dindo IV) occurred in 2 patients. The postoperative quality of life was not significantly altered by the laparoscopic procedure. At a median follow-up of 60 mo, all patients were alive and without evidence of local recurrence, distant metastasis, diabetes, or exocrine insufficiency.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy may offer an alternative to open surgery in the treatment of SPT of the distal pancreas in adult female patients. The laparoscopic procedure impacts neither the oncologic outcome nor the quality of life. However, due to the risk of postoperative complications, this procedure should be reserved for specialized centers.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas: an 18-year experience at a single Japanese Institution

PURPOSE

This study investigated the clinicopathological features and surgical management of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms at a single institution in Japan.

METHODS

Seventeen patients (the largest series in Japan) those underwent surgery for pathologically confirmed solid pseudopapillary neoplasms were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were women and their mean age was 34.1 years. Most patients were asymptomatic (n = 11), and the average tumor diameter was 51.8 mm. The most common imaging characteristic was tumors of solid and cystic type (n = 10), which were most commonly located in the pancreatic body (n = 7). All patients underwent surgical exploration, i.e., distal pancreatectomies in 7 patients (laparoscopically performed in 2); middle pancreatectomies, 4; pancreaticoduodenectomies, 4; enucleation, 1; and liver resection, 1. No surgical mortalities occurred, and postsurgical complications occurred in 9 patients. Four patients had malignant tumors. One patient with liver metastases experienced recurrence, which was well controlled by paclitaxel. The remaining patients were disease free at a median follow-up of 51 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms can be treated by complete tumor resection with limited resection or a minimally invasive approach when applicable. The combination of surgical resection and chemotherapy may therefore prolong survival, even in malignant cases.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

The laparoscopic approach for benign and malignant lesions in the tail of the pancreas is becoming a more widely used approach. Multiple prospective studies have shown the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in single-center and multi-center settings. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is a challenging procedure, because the pancreas is surrounded by critical structures and located in the retroperitoneum. Pancreatic fistula remains a common complication in the laparoscopic approach. Distal pancreatic aggressive tumors may not be appropriate for the laparoscopic approach due to the lack of oncologic safety studies.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: a single-institution 20-year series of pediatric patients

PURPOSE

Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm. The objective of this study was to review our institution's experience and provide an update on current management in the pediatric population.

METHODS

Our pathology database identified all patients with SPT for a 20-year period (1991-2011). Demographics, clinical characteristics, operative details, pathology, and outcomes data were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Eleven patients with SPT were identified. Most were female and Hispanic. Median age at resection was 14 years (9-17 years). Most patients presented with abdominal pain. Diagnostic imaging was most commonly an ultrasound or computed tomography. All tumors were resected en bloc. Median greatest tumor diameter was 5 cm (3.5-12 cm). Median length of stay was 8 days (5-19 days). Complications included pancreatic leak, chyle leak, delayed gastric emptying, fat malabsorption, and incisional keloid. Recurrence developed after 2.5 years in 1 patient with positive surgical margins. There were no metastases or deaths. Median follow-up was 1.4 years (0.6-5.9 years).

CONCLUSION

This pediatric series of SPT from a single institution corroborates previous reports in the literature. In our experience, SPT behaves like a low-grade malignancy and has an excellent prognosis. Surgical resection is dictated by tumor location and remains the treatment of choice.