Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein: report of three cases.

Between March 2003 and March 2007, three patients with benign pancreatic tumors underwent a planned laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein. Four trocars were placed, and an endoscopic linear stapler was used to transect of the pancreas. The perioperative data and surgical outcomes were examined. This procedure was successfully completed in three patients. The mean operative time was 158.3 min, with mean blood loss of 14.7 ml. The postoperative pathological diagnoses included one insulinoma, one solid pseudopapillary tumor, and one intraductal papillary-mucinous adenoma. The mean size of the tumors was 29.3 mm. Oral intake was initiated on day 1.7, and the length of postoperative hospital stay was 8.7 days on average. No morbidity or mortality was observed. A laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein is a safe and feasible treatment option without compromising the splenic function for benign or borderline malignant tumors in the distal pancreas.