Solid pancreatic pseudopapillary tumor managed laparoscopically in adolescents: a case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Solid pancreatic pseudopapillary tumors make up 1%-3% of all pancreatic tumors, occur predominantly in females, and usually present in the third and fourth decades of life. Less frequently, these tumors may present in children. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice with excellent outcomes. Usage of a laparoscopic approach has become more common for adult patients. However, the laparoscopic approach is not routinely used in the pediatric population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review was performed noting 13 documented cases of solid pancreatic pseudopapillary tumors resected laparoscopically in children. We report our case series of three children with a solid pancreatic pseudopapillary tumor treated through a minimally invasive approach.
RESULTS: In the literature, most patients had the tumor in the body or distal pancreas. The most common complication was pancreatic fistula, which was managed with total parenteral nutrition. In addition, there were reports of recurrence after biopsy of the tumor. In our case series 2 of the 3 patients received a splenectomy because of the proximity of the tumor to the spleen. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Follow-up length from 13 to 36 months revealed no evidence of recurrence.
CONCLUSIONS: In the pediatric population, solid pancreatic pseudopapillary tumors located in the body or tail of the pancreas can be managed with a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.