A case of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy for small solid pseudopapillary neoplasm in an adult male with anomalous splenic vein confluence

Abstract

Although anomalies of the celiac and/or superior mesenteric arteries are occasionally encountered during abdominal surgery, anomalous venous confluence is seldom reported during pancreatic surgery. Herein, we present a rare case of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) for the treatment of a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm in an asymptomatic 37-year-old male with an anomalous splenic vein (SpV) confluence. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed an anomaly of the SpV, which coursed transversely through the superior border of the pancreas, over the celiac artery and into the portal vein, along the superior line of the common hepatic artery. We successfully performed an LSPDP without peripancreatic vessel injury by exposing the SpV and splenic artery through an approach from the superior position of the pancreas. Preoperative imaging, especially CTA, is crucial to ensuring a safe, successful laparoscopic pancreatectomy.