BACKGROUND/AIMS: Central pancreatectomy (CP) is an alternative technique of distal pancreatectomy (DP) for focal pancreatic tumors; however, the feasibility of CP for pancreatic trauma has not been adequately assessed. METHODOLOGY: Patients who underwent CP (n = 8) or DP (n = 8) for pancreatic duct injuries following blunt trauma were reviewed. Patient demographics, status of pancreatic duct injuries, and perioperative outcomes were compared between procedures. RESULTS: Pancreatic duct injuries occurred at the neck of the pancreas in 63% patients (10/16). Patient demographics and perioperative outcomes were comparable between the CP and DP groups. Polytrauma was found in 38% patients in both groups. No differences were found between patients treated with CP and DP in overall blood loss (median: 1025 mL vs 1800 mL, P = 0.418) and surgical duration (median: 284 min vs 188 mm, P = 0.172). The incidence of pancreas-related complications was comparable between groups (CP: 50% vs. DP: 38%, P = 0.614. CONCLUSIONS: Blunt pancreatic duct injuries tend to occur at the pancreatic neck, leaving the body and tail of the pancreas intact. CP is feasible for blunt pancreatic trauma in hemodynamically stable patients.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Central pancreatectomy (CP) is an alternative technique of distal pancreatectomy (DP) for focal pancreatic tumors; however, the feasibility of CP for pancreatic trauma has not been adequately assessed. METHODOLOGY:Patients who underwent CP (n = 8) or DP (n = 8) for pancreatic duct injuries following blunt trauma were reviewed. Patient demographics, status of pancreatic duct injuries, and perioperative outcomes were compared between procedures. RESULTS:Pancreatic duct injuries occurred at the neck of the pancreas in 63% patients (10/16). Patient demographics and perioperative outcomes were comparable between the CP and DP groups. Polytrauma was found in 38% patients in both groups. No differences were found between patients treated with CP and DP in overall blood loss (median: 1025 mL vs 1800 mL, P = 0.418) and surgical duration (median: 284 min vs 188 mm, P = 0.172). The incidence of pancreas-related complications was comparable between groups (CP: 50% vs. DP: 38%, P = 0.614. CONCLUSIONS: Blunt pancreatic duct injuries tend to occur at the pancreatic neck, leaving the body and tail of the pancreas intact. CP is feasible for blunt pancreatic trauma in hemodynamically stable patients.