Background: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is the preferred approach for
resection of tumors in the distal pancreas because of its many advantages
over the open approach. Aim: To analyse and compare short and long-term outcomes from LDP performed
through two different techniques: with splenectomy vs. spleen preservation
and splenic vessel preservation. Method: Fifty-eight patients were operated and subsequently divided between two
groups: Group 1, LDP with splenectomy (LDPS); and Group 2, LDP with spleen
preservation and preservation of splenic vessels (LDPSPPSV). Results:The epidemiological characteristics were statistically similar between the
two groups (age, gender, BMI and lesion size). Both the mean of operative
time (p=0.04) and the mean of intra-operative blood loss (p=0,03) were
higher in Group 1. The mean of resected lymph nodes was also higher in Group
1 (p<0.000). There were no statistic differences between the groups in
relation to open conversion, morbidity or early postoperative mortality. The
mean hospital stay was similar between groups. Pancreatic fistula (grade B
and C) was similar between the groups. The mean of overall follow-up was
37.6 months (5-96). Late complications were similar between the groups. Conclusion: Both techniques were superimposable; however, LDPS presented, respectively,
higher intra-operative bleeding, longer duration of the operation and higher
number of lymph nodes resected. No differences were observed in the studied
period in relation to the appearance of infections or neoplasm related to
splenectomy during follow-up. Maintenance of the spleen avoided periodic
immunizations in patients in LDPSPSV. It is indicated in small pancreatic
lesions with indolent course.