Laparoscopic minor pancreatic resections (enucleations/atypical resections). A long-term appraisal of a supposed mini-invasive approach.

Background: A few retrospective, small, often multicentric studies show encouraging results of laparoscopic minor pancreatic surgery, but do not allow for an evaluation of feasibility and effectiveness.

Objective: Evaluation of the results of laparoscopic minor pancreatic resections (LMPR), including atypical resections and enucleations.

Methods: The outcome of all consecutive patients undergoing LMPR in a tertiary care university hospital specializing in the laparoscopic approach to solid organs (I.M.M., Paris - France) was retrospectively evaluated by the analysis of operating time, blood loss, conversion, morbidity, stay and late outcome.

Results: Thirty-three patients underwent LMPR (29 enucleations and 4 atypical resections) for various diseases. The conversion rate was 21%, mean operating time 189 min, and mean blood loss 133 ml. Morbidity was 60%; 10 patients (30%) presented a pancreatic fistula. Pancreatic fistula was independent of type of resection, technique of pancreas section, management of enucleated surface and somatostatin administration. Median stay for enucleations was 18 days. Mean follow-up was 61 months.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic pancreatic enucleation is feasible and safe, with no mortality, no lengthening of operating time and a high success rate. Conversely, it does not imply a reduction in complications or hospital stay at the present state of the art.