Three-Port Laparoscopic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy with Splenic Vessel Preservation

Abstract

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is now accepted treatment for benign and certain malignant pancreatic body and/or tail processes and is generally performed using four to six ports. Splenic preservation avoids inherent risks associated with the post-splenectomy state, but adds surgical complexity. In this case series, we describe our single surgeon’s experience with a novel technique for safe, successful three-port laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel preservation. Our series supports success with our technique for a variety of benign and low-grade pancreatic neoplasms. Our results demonstrate this approach is a technically feasible and safe approach. As previously discussed by our group, this approach is also applicable to other procedures in the left upper quadrant.