Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

Abstract

This preliminary experience suggests that laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is a feasible and safe procedure with a morbidity rate comparable with that for the conventional open procedure. However, laparoscopic surgery for malignant pancreatic tumors remains controversial. Larger series with longer follow-up periods are necessary to determine the role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of pancreatic pathologies.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: critical analysis of preliminary experience from a tertiary referral centre

“…The introduction of laparoscopic techniques was one of the most significant events in the evolution of surgery in the past century [4]. However, laparoscopic pancreatic surgery is still slow in gaining popularity.…”

“…Laparoscopic pancreatic resection has been slow to gain wide acceptance because of the difficult access to the delicate organ, its close relations with major vessels, and its complex physiology [1]. However, with the advancement in surgical technology and accumulation of advanced laparoscopic skills, pancreatic surgery is starting to gain popularity, especially for distal pancreatectomies [2][3][4].…”

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

“…Alternatively, trocar sites are placed under direct visualization, depending on the patient's body habitus and the location of the lesion. A left lateral decubitus position facilitates exposure of the left upper abdominal quadrant (1). A lateral position allows gravity retraction of the stomach and spleen, more direct visualization of the body and tail of the pancreas, and superior ergonomics and comfort for the surgeon (27).…”

“…Despite the developments in minimally invasive surgery for intraabdominal pathologies, laparoscopic pancreatic surgery has lagged behind because of its limitations, such as major vascular proximity, retroperitoneal location, and adjacent organs (1). However, with improvements in laparoscopic skills and surgical technology, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) has been proven to be safe and have better outcomes (2).…”

Retroperitoneoscopic pancreatectomy: a new surgical option for pancreatic disease

“…The advantages of this approach include acceptable operating time, insignificant blood loss, simple manipulations, minor complications, and excellent postoperative recovery time. Additionally, this study suggests that retroperitoneoscopy could also be feasible for treatment of retroperitoneal nonpancreatic diseases.Keywords Retroperitoneoscopy Á Enucleation Á Distal pancreatectomy Á Pancreas Á LaparoscopyIn the past decade, minimally invasive techniques have only been considered for evaluation of pancreatic malignancies, or for palliative treatment in case of unresectable pancreatic cancer [1]. Improvements in instrumentation and techniques have opened the possibilities for an extensive range of laparoscopic applications in patients with pancreatic diseases [2-5], including necrosectomy for necrotic pancreatitis, drainage procedures for pancreatic pseudocysts, distal resections of pancreatic tumors, and even pancreaticoduodenectomy [2, 6-8].…”