Laparoscopic spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy

Introduction Mlaparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is the curative treatment for tumours of the pancreatic body and tail. When performed by laparoscopy the morbidity is reduced [1]. The procedure may be with or without splenectomy. Spleen preservation needs preserving the splenic artery and vein. The alternative is to provide splenic perfusion via short gastric vessels [2]. We present a case of a patient who underwent laparoscopic spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy for a mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreatic body. The standard way of dividing the pancreas is by a stapler. If divided by another form the open end is sutured. We have deviated from this by dividing the pancreas by coagulating with bipolar diathermy and transacting with an ultrasonic dissector and leaving the stump unsutured. This is our standard practice for many years.