OBJECTIVETo summarize the surgical technique and clinical experience of total laparoscopic resection of the pancreatic islet cell tumors.

METHODSFrom July 2002 to December 2007, 30 cases including 12 males and 18 females were diagnosed as pancreatic islet cell tumor. There were at least one positive imaging examination of each patient preoperatively. The location of the tumors included 4 in proximal pancreas and 26 in distal pancreas.

RESULTSThe tumors were successfully found and removed in 28 cases and unsuccessfully located in the other 2 cases. The procedures included local resections in 13 cases and distal pancreatectomies in 15 cases (spleen reserved in 7 cases). The mean operation time was 165 min (range, 65 - 465 min). The mean blood loss was 145 ml (range, 50 - 800 ml). Pancreatic leakage occurred in 3 cases, 2 of which were cured conservatively. And the other one were cured by endoscopic retrograde cannulation of the pancreatic duct. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.6 days (range, 2 - 17 d). There were no conversions and death. After follow up of (14.3 +/- 16.7) months (range, 4 - 62 months), there were no recurrences.

CONCLUSIONTotal laparoscopic resection is a safe and effective method for pancreatic islet cell tumors.