Laparoscopic pancreatic resection: preliminary experience

The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic pancreatectomy for pancreatic tumours. Four women and three men underwent laparoscopic pancreatectomy and were recruited into the study retrospectively over the period from June 2002 to February 2004. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 4), intermediate pancreatectomy (n = 1) and distal pancreatic resection with splenectomy (n = 2) were successfully performed. Operative mortality was nil. The postoperative morbidity included two low-output pancreatic leaks. Mean operating time, blood loss and hospital stay were 342 minutes, 289 mL and 14 days, respectively. The pathological diagnosis was ductal adenocarcinoma in one, neuroendocrine tumour in five and metastatic melanoma in one. All patients are still well after a median follow-up of 7 months (range: 1-20 months). The patients appear to benefit from laparoscopic pancreatectomy for pancreatic tumours. The minimally invasive approach ensures adequate treatment but requires the expertise of highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons.