OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

METHODSTotally 68 patients (male 23, female 45) aged 17 to 77 years, with distal pancreatic lesions, underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy from November 2003 to December 2010. The clinical data were collected. Safety, feasibility and crucial technique manipulation were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSAll 68 operations were successful with two cases conversion to open, including 48 cases combined with splenectomy, and 18 cases with preservation of spleen. Fourteen cases received with combination resection of multi-organs, including 4 cases with cholecystectomy, 1 case resection of right adrenal adenoma and cholecystectomy, 1 case with myomectomy and left ovarian teratomectomy; 1 case with right ovarian teratomectomy, 1 case with resection of left adrenal adenoma, 1 case with resection of both adrenal adenoma, 1 case with resection of liver metastasis, 1 case with cholecystectomy and resection of liver metastasis, 1 case with resection of left adrenal adenoma and liver metastasis, 1 case with resection of left adrenal adenoma and colon and spleen, 1 case with biopsy of liver nodule. The mean operative time was (209 ± 58) minutes, the mean intraoperative blood loss was (191 ± 123) ml, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was (8 ± 4) days. The rate of overall postoperative complications was 18.1%, including an 12.1% rate of clinical pancreatic fistula. Only one case needed a reoperation, and there was no postoperative mortality.

CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy is safe and feasible in the treatment of most distal pancreatic tumors.