Laparoscopic enucleation of a neuroendocrine tumor on the posterior aspect of the pancreas: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction Introduction. Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas are rare neoplasms. They are divided into two groups: functional and non-functional. Non-functional tumors represent a diagnostic challenge, given that they often remain asymptomatic and are diagnosed as an incidental finding. Case outline. We present a patient in whom the tumor was discovered at the junction of the body and the tail of the pancreas on the dorsal side. The patient had no specific symptomatology, with no loss in body weight. Considering the conducted diagnostics and the condition of the patient, we decided to perform a laparoscopic enucleation. This procedure has been applied in a safe and efficient manner, so the operative and postoperative course passed without complications. The definitive histopathological examination confirmed the finding that it was a non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Conclusion. Laparoscopic enucleation is an effective and safe treatment modality of these tumors with well-known advantages compared to open surgery, but there is always a tending to improve already existing results and thus to contribute not only to treatment but to greater and better comfort of the patient