Blunt injury of the neck of the pancreas: a report of nine patients

Nine patients with injury of the neck of the pancreas following blunt abdominal injury are reported. Eight were sustained in road traffic accidents and only two victims had used seatbelts. Serious associated injuries were present in four patients and the pancreatic injury was missed in two patients. The diagnosis of this injury was made at laparotomy in six, while one patient had the diagnosis confirmed at endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP). The neck of the pancreas was the site of injury in all nine cases. Pancreatic drainage (3), suture repair (1) and distal resection with splenectomy (2) were the operative procedures performed. Pseudocyst of the pancreas (2), pancreatic fistulas (2), pancreatitis (1) and ascites (1), which necessitated a further laparotomy, accounted for postoperative morbidity. There was one postoperative death from haemorrhage due to stress ulceration. This study emphasizes that the neck of the pancreas is at special risk following blunt abdominal injury.     

Management of the stump of the pancreas after distal pancreatic resection

The optimal management of the stump of the pancreas following distal resection remains controversial. To determine whether there was an advantage in draining the stump of the pancreas into a Roux-en-Y loop of jejunum, a retrospective survey of 113 patients who had a distal pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis or complications of acute pancreatitis in the non-acute phase was undertaken. The decision to perform a drainage procedure was determined on the basis of the pancreatogram, the size of the pancreatic duct and technical factors at the time of the operation. Sixty-seven patients had no drainage procedure and 46 patients had a drainage procedure. The two groups were comparable in all respects before surgery. The postoperative outcome in the short- and long-term was similar in both groups. It is concluded that caudal pancreatic drainage confers no benefit following distal pancreatic resection.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with minilaparotomy for distal pancreatic cystadenoma

Two patients with cystic tumors of the pancreas treated by laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy are presented. The first patient was a 34-year-old woman with a 6-cm cystadenoma of the tail of the pancreas treated with a complete laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. After mobilization of the distal pancreas and spleen, the pancreas was transected proximally together with the splenic artery and vein using an endoscopic linear stapler. The second patient was a 71-year-old woman with a 6-cm cystadenoma of the body of the pancreas, treated by hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with minilaparotomy because the tumor was adjacent to the portal vein and celiac axis. Using an upper median minilaparotomy, dissection of the gastrocolic ligament, division of the splenic artery, and transection and closure of the pancreas were performed. Division of the splenic vein and mobilization of the distal pancreas and spleen were performed via a hand-assisted laparoscopic approach. There were no postoperative complications (such as pancreatic fistulas) in either patient, and the postoperative courses were uneventful. The patients returned to normal activity within 1 week after the operation. Complete laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy are preferable to conventional open surgery for benign tumors of the pancreas because of their less-invasive nature. Additionally, in tumors of the body of the pancreas, hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy might have the advantages of laparotomy and laparoscopy in terms of handling the splenic artery and vein just below the minilaparotomy site, suggesting an easier and safer procedure than complete laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Therefore, hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy can be recommended as a useful alternative to complete laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for selected patients with benign tumors of the body and tail of the pancreas.     

保留脾脏的腹腔镜胰体尾切除术治疗经验

目的 总结腹腔镜保留脾脏的胰体尾切除术的经验。方法 2003年11月和2004年12月分别对2例胰体尾囊性占位患者施行保留脾脏的腹腔镜胰体尾切除术。结果 2例手术均顺利完成,手术时间分别为220min和190min,术中出血为450ml和350ml,术后住院时间为6d和5d,术后无胰漏等并发症发生。病理诊断2例均为胰腺浆液性囊腺瘤。分别随访18个月和5个月,术前症状均得到明显缓解,未见复发。结论 对胰体尾部良性病变行保留脾脏的腹腔镜胰体尾切除术是安全可行的,具有创伤轻、恢复快、并发症少等优点。     

Randomized prospective trial of the effect of induced hypergastrinemia on the prevention of pancreatic atrophy after pancreatoduodenectomy in humans

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether gastrin has regenerative effect on the pancreas and in particular whether it prevents the atrophy of the distal pancreas after resection of pancreas in humans. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Although pancreatic regeneration after resection is well documented in animals, atrophy rather than regeneration of the distal remnant pancreas commonly occurs following pancreatoduodenectomy in humans. Of the many factors involving pancreatic regeneration, gastrin has been shown to have trophic effect on the pancreas in an animal model. METHODS: Between March 1999 and May 2000, a randomized prospective study was performed in 56 patients who underwent pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary neoplasms. Patients were allocated to either a lansoprazole group or a control group. The lansoprazole members were given oral lansoprazole (30 mg/d) over 12 weeks postoperatively to induce hypergastrinemia. During the study period, 19 patients were excluded for different reasons; in the end a total of 37 patients (lansoprazole, n = 18; control, n = 19) were eligible for study. The volume of the distal pancreas as determined using thin-sectioned spiral CT data, nutritional status, and endocrine (insulin level, glucose tolerance test) and exocrine function (stool elastase) of the pancreas and serum gastrin levels were measured before surgery and 3 months after surgery. The two groups were clinically comparable. RESULTS: Serum gastrin level was elevated in the lansoprazole group. In this group, the mean volume of the distal pancreas was reduced by 10% after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy, whereas severe pancreatic atrophy occurred in the control group. Postoperative insulin and stool elastase levels were higher in the lansoprazole group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first prospective randomized trial of induced hypergastrinemia on the regeneration of the pancreas in humans. It may be possible to use induced hypergastrinemia in the treatment or prevention of pancreatic insufficiency following resection or injury.     

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy for solid pseudopapillary tumor with conservation of splenic vessels in a child

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSDP) with conservation of the splenic vessels is gaining acceptance as a reliable treatment for selected patients with low-grade malignant tumors of the pancreas in adults. The operation requires advanced laparoscopic skills to safely divide the fine branches of the splenic vessels. Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of splenic vessels is rarely reported in children. We describe a 12-year-old girl with solid pseudopapillary tumor in the body of the pancreas that was successfully treated with LSDP, preserving the splenic vessels. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the functional and aesthetic results were satisfactory. Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of splenic vessels may be a safe and feasible treatment option for children with pancreatic disease.     

A one-stage operation for abdominal aortic aneurysm and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: report of a case

Pancreatic surgery concomitant with abdominal aortic repair is rarely chosen due to concerns about prosthetic infection following pancreatic leakage and the poor prognosis of pancreatic neoplasms. We herein report a successfully treated case of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas treated by a one-stage operation. A 75-year-old male with a history of cerebral infarction and chronic subdural hematoma was referred to our department with a pulsatile abdominal mass. A 70-mm infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with severe proximal neck angulation and a 28-mm multilocular cystic tumor with mural nodules in the pancreas body were detected. Abdominal aortic repair with a prosthetic graft and distal pancreatectomy were performed simultaneously. The postoperative course was mostly uneventful, and he was discharged to a rehabilitation facility.     

Distal pancreas surgery: outcome for 19 cases managed with a laparoscopic approach

Background In the past decade, laparoscopy has shown its efficacy also for advanced surgery. In this report, the authors retrospectively review their experience with the distal pancreas. Methods From April 1999 to October 2004, 19 patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure for pathologies of the distal pancreas. The authors performed one distal pancreatectomy (DP) with conservation of the spleen and section of the splenic vessels, four distal splenopancreatectomies (DSP), one DSP plus a left adrenalectomy, two enucleations, seven DPs with conservation of the spleen and the splenic vessels, and four cystojejunostomies. Results One procedure was converted to open surgery because of a hemorrhagic complication. No other significant intraoperative complications occurred. The postoperative course was characterized by one bleed managed conservatively, two pancreatic fistulas (one requiring a second operation), one abscess drained under echographic view, and one reactive pancreatitis. The mean postoperative stay was 8.5 days. The histologic report showed 16 benign diseases and 3 malignant tumors. The mean follow-up period was of 42 months. The patient who had DP spleen preservation with section of the splenic vessels reported mild pain in the left hypochondrium, probably attributable to chronic splenic ischemia, during the first 3 postoperative months. One incisional hernia occurred in the patient who underwent conversion to an open procedure, and one patient affected by adenocarcinoma died 10 months after the operation. Conclusions The authors can affirm that laparoscopy for the distal pancreas is a successful procedure in terms of results and surgical feasibility. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm their positive impression.     

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels for benign Pancreas neoplasm

Background Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy to conserve the spleen is a beneficial operation for patients with benign and borderline malignancy in the pancreas. With this procedure, it is very desirable to preserve the splenic artery and vein as well. Methods From May 2000 to July 2003, five laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies with preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels were performed for benign pancreas neoplasm at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital in Seoul, Korea. Results The postoperative pathologic diagnoses were two serous cystadenomas, two mucinous cystadenomas, and one solid and papillary epithelial tumor. The tumors ranged in size from 1.5 to 7cm. Four trocars (10–15 mm) and a laparoscopic linear stapler were used for transection of the pancreas. The mean operation time was 348 min, and the mean length of the incision for extraction was 3.6 cm. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 10.4 days. There was no complication or mortality. Conclusion Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels is a relatively safe and feasible option for the management of benign tumor or borderline malignancy in the distal pancreas. This study was supported by the Ewha Womans University Research Grant of 2004     

Application of a new collagen-based sealant for the treatment of pancreatic injury

Pancreatic injury is the most frequent serious morbidity that can occur following laparoscopic splenectomy. The presumed mechanism of injury is direct trauma to the pancreatic tail during hilar dissection or transection with endovascular staplers. It was our aim to study the direct application of topical sealants to a pancreatic injury to prevent a pancreatic leak. A porcine model of pancreatic injury in a normal pancreas was developed. Fourteen animals underwent midline laparotomy and subtotal (8 cm) distal pancreatectomy. The pancreas was sharply divided and minimal cauterization used. A (1/4)-inch round Jackson Pratt drain was secured to the pancreatic stump in all animals. The control group (n = 7) underwent no further treatment. Two groups underwent treatment with a sealant. Group 1 (n = 3) had a hydrogel applied to the pancreatic remnant. Group 2 (n = 4) had a biodegradable sealant of PEG (polyethylene glycol)-collagen formulation applied to the pancreatic stump by aerosol. During the postoperative period, animals were fed 2.2 lb/d of a high fat (10% lard) diet to stimulate pancreatic exocrine function. Total daily drain outputs were recorded, and drain amylase content and serum amylase concentration were measured on postoperative days 3, 7, and 10. A significant pancreatic leak was defined as a drain to serum amylase content of greater than 3:1. Animals were killed on day 10 and explored for undrained fluid collections. The pancreas was removed for histologic evaluation. Control and treatment groups were compared using repeated measures ANOVA of log-transformed data. All animals survived until elective necropsy. In group 1, average total drain outputs were not significantly less than the controls (125 mL versus 269; P = .66). The mean drain/serum amylase concentration on days 3, 7, and 10 were not significantly different between group 1 and the control group. Group 2 had significantly less overall average drainage output than controls (40 mL versus 269 mL; P = .0006). Furthermore, group 2 had a significant reduction in pancreatic leaks on days 3, 7, and 10 as measured by mean drain/serum amylase concentration. No undrained fluid collections were identified at autopsy. Based on our experimental porcine model, a novel collagen-based, biodegradable hydrogel can prevent a ductal leak following pancreatic injury. These encouraging data have fostered application by aerosol treatment to the hilar bed at laparoscopic splenectomy to diminish capsular disruption from mechanical injury.     

Fatal bile pulmonary embolism after radiofrequency treatment of a hepatocellular carcinoma

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare pathologic entity. Although the role of laparoscopy in surgery of the pancreas is still controversial, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has been reported with good results in adults. We report a laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy in a 9-year-old boy who presented with a low-grade malignant tumor. Needle biopsy was impossible. A laparoscopic spleenpreserving distal pancreatectomy was performed. We used four trocars, and the operative time was 240 min. Conversion to open surgery was not necessary. The boys postoperative recovery was uneventful, and he was discharged on the 6th day. CT-scan control at 6 months was normal. This case shows that even in advanced surgical cases, such as spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, laparoscopic procedures can be done safely, within a reasonable operative time, in children.     

Successful repair of complete pancreatic rupture and subtotal duodenal avulsion after blunt abdominal trauma in childhood--a case report

We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who presented after a bicycle accident with handlebar injury of the epigastrium with clinical signs of hollow visceral injury and elevated pancreatic enzymes. Upon emergency laparotomy, a complete rupture of the pancreatic isthmus and a nearly total transsection of the postpyloric duodenum were encountered (Grade IV according to Lucas). Reconstruction consisted of reanastomosis of the proximal duodenum, closure of the distal end of the pancreatic head and internal drainage of the left pancreas into a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop. The postoperative course was uneventful. For rare traumatic pancreaticoduodenal lesions only individual surgical concepts are promising depending on the extent of damage. However, effort should be made to preserve as much pancreatic tissue as possible.     

Common hepatic artery aneurysm branching from the superior mesenteric artery. Report of a case

A 58-year-old man was notified as having a mass in the head of the pancreas at medical checkup on September 26, 2000. He was admitted to our department after being diagnosed as having an aneurysm in the common hepatic artery, branching from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), based on selective SMA angiography. From an abdominal midline incision, we were able to reach his common hepatic artery aneurysm (CHAA) by mobilizing the pancreas through the route lateral to the greater curvature of the stomach. This aneurysm arose in the common hepatic artery immediately after branching from the SMA. After proximal and distal control of the SMA and common hepatic artery, the aneurysm was incised and the distal hepatic artery was anastomosed end to side to the SMA. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course.     

Surgical results of pancreaticoduodenectomy for carcinoma of the distal third of the stomach.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) was performed as a radical operation on 10 patients who had stage III or IV carcinoma of the distal third of the stomach which invaded the pancreas head (T4) or had level 3 lymph node metastasis. The surgical results of the PD were compared with those of 69 patients treated with subtotal gastrectomy (SG). Although the postoperative morbidity was higher (70%) in the PD group than in the SG group (32%), no hospital death occurred. The overall postoperative survival provided by PD was as good as that provided by SG for 43 patients who had stage III or IV tumors (the 5-year survival rates, 40 versus 45%). Regarding the T4 tumors invading the pancreas, the survival of the 9 patients with PD was better than that of the 12 patients with SG (median survival time, 19 versus 9 months). Thus, PD might improve the postoperative survival of patients with carcinoma of the distal stomach invading the pancreas.     

Carcinoma of the body and tail of the pancreas: is curative resection justified?

BACKGROUND. The role of resection in the treatment of carcinoma of the distal pancreas remains unclear. The less frequent occurrence of tumor in the distal gland, advanced tumor stage at diagnosis, and a lack of reported success have combined to produce therapeutic nihilism in the minds of many surgeons. The goal of this review was to assess long-term survival after distal pancreatectomy for carcinoma of the pancreas. METHODS. The records of all patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy at the Mayo Clinic for a primary pancreatic malignant tumor during the 25-year period from 1963 to 1987 were reviewed. Forty-four patients undergoing potentially curative distal pancreatectomies were identified: 26 patients for ductal adenocarcinoma, 12 patients for islet cell carcinoma, and six patients for cystadenocarcinoma. RESULTS. Major postoperative morbidity occurred in 9% of the patients and operative death in 2% of the patients. Patients with ductal adenocarcinoma frequently were admitted with advanced disease (stage II or III). The median overall survival for patients with ductal adenocarcinoma was 10 months. Fifteen percent of the patients survived 2 years after operation, and 8% of the patients survived 5 years. In contrast, the 5-year survival after resection of islet cell carcinomas and cystadenocarcinomas was excellent (83% and 100%, respectively). CONCLUSION. The prognosis for patients with ductal adenocarcinoma in the distal pancreas who were treated with potentially curative distal pancreatectomy is poor; however, the results are not substantially different from those reported after pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignant tumors of the proximal pancreas. Some patients with adenocarcinoma of the distal pancreas who were treated with resection may be long-term survivors. We recommend resection of carcinoma of the distal pancreas when the disease is limited to the gland and believe that all patients with ductal adenocarcinoma should be considered for postoperative adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy.     

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for blunt injury to the pancreas. A case report

Laparoscopic pancreatic resection has not been reported for traumatic injuries to the pancreas. We present the case of a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy performed on a 10-year-old boy after he sustained a distal transection of the pancreas due to blunt abdominal trauma. The spleen and its vessels were preserved. The patient was sent home on postoperative day 3 without any postoperative complications. Performing an advanced laparoscopic pancreatic procedure is feasible, in the trauma setting, particularly in children.     

Isolated and complete traumatic rupture of the pancreas: A case report and a review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic trauma without injuries to other organs is uncommon, as reported in the reviewed literature. Diagnosis of pancreatic trauma might be difficult, due to unspecific signs and symptoms. The integrity of the main pancreatic duct is the crucial point in the management and outcome of patients with pancreatic trauma. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The authors report a case of delayed diagnosis after a complete traumatic rupture of the main pancreatic duct, successfully managed by surgical treatment. The authors performed a laparotomy with complete removal of necrotic pancreatic tissue at the site of rupture. The proximal pancreatic stump was hand-sewn with detached stitches and a disposable catheter was positioned into Wirsung's duct, a diversion of the distal stump with a Roux-en-y pancreato-jejunal anastomosis was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. DISCUSSION: Traumatic injuries of the pancreas occur after blunt abdominal traumas or penetrating wounds with a ratio of 3:1. Isolated traumatic injuries of the pancreas are uncommon; and they are usually associated with injuries to other organs. Surgical solutions for the treatment of pancreas lesions vary and it is well known that a surgical procedure performed after a delayed diagnosis is associated with high mortality and morbidity, especially in pancreatic duct rupture. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic trauma is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the trauma surgeon. The integrity of the main pancreatic duct is the most important determinant of outcome after injury to the pancreas and, in Wirsung's duct rupture, early surgery may improve it.     

Simplified distal pancreatectomy with the Auto Suture stapler: preliminary clinical observations.

The most serious complication following distal pancreatectomy is the development of a pancreatic fistula or subphrenic abscess. These complications are particularly prone to occur following distal pancreatectomy for trauma. The injured pancreas is divided in a contaminated field, often in the presence of hemorrhage and partly devitalized tissues, in which identification and secure closure of the transected pancreatic duct may be difficult. A review of 12 surgical publications describing experience with 234 distal pancreatectomies performed for trauma found the average pancreatic fistula rate to be 13% an in some reports as high as 25% to 30%. In an attempt to decrease the high postoperative fistula rate after distal pancreatectomy, transection of the gland with the autosuture has been investigated. There are at least three theoretical advantages of this technique. The pancreas is transected through healthy tissue, the pancreatic duct is closed securely, and stainless steel sutures are used, which probably are more resistant to the development of infection than other suture material. This report describes a technique of distal pancreatectomy for both trauma surgery and elective surgery with the TA-55 Auto Suture stapler. TA-55 Auto Suture stapler, with 3.5 mm staples, is placed across the mobilized pancreas, and two rows of staggered stainless steel staples are laid down. The gland distal to the stapler then is amputated. At present this technique has been used in a total of 12 cases--four for trauma and eight during elective procedures. One fistula related to pancreatectomy performed with the Auto Suture stapler developed, for a complication rate of 8.3%. This preliminary experience indicates that a more widespread evaluation of this technique is indicated.     

A novel technique for multiple pancreatectomies: removal of unicinate process of the pancreas combined with medial pancreatectomy

Preservation of normal pancreatic tissue in the surgical treatment of benign tumors of the pancreas offers advantages over more extended pancreatic resections. Removal of the uncinate process of the pancreas with the preservation of Wirsung's duct allows resection of a localized tumor within the uncinate process of the pancreas, maintains the flow of pancreatic juice into the duodenum, and preserves the dorsal part of the head of the gland. A pancreatic duct stent is particularly useful to identify the pancreatic duct (Wirsung's duct) intraoperatively to avoid injury which causes postoperative pancreatic leak. We have developed and employed a novel technique whereby tumors are completely excised, in combination with medial pancreatectomy, for the management of multiple mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas localized in the uncinate process and in the body of the pancreas. The cut end of the head of the pancreas is closed by interrupted sutures. Reconstruction for the distal pancreas is effected with a Roux-en-Y pancreatico-jejunostomy to the tail of the pancreas. Recovery was uncomplicated in our patient, with no endocrine or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency after 2-year follow-up. Received for publication on July 1, 1999; accepted on Aug. 17, 1999     

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: results on a consecutive series of 58 patients

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics, indications, technical procedures, and outcome of a consecutive series of laparoscopic distal pancreatic resections performed by the same surgical team. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Laparoscopic distal pancreatic resection has increasingly been described as a feasible and safe procedure, although accompanied by a high rate of conversion and morbidity. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients affected by solid and cystic tumors were selected prospectively to undergo laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy performed by the same surgical team. Clinical characteristics as well as diagnostic preoperative assessment and intra- and postoperative data were prospectively recorded. A follow-up of at least 3 months was available for all patients. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients underwent laparoscopic resection between May 1999 and November 2005. All procedures were successfully performed laparoscopically, and no patient required intraoperative blood transfusion. Splenic vessel preservation was possible in 84.4% of spleen-preserving procedures. There were no mortalities. The overall median hospital stay was 9 days, while it was 10.5 days for patients with postoperative pancreatic fistulae (27.5% of all cases). Follow-up was available for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience in 58 consecutive patients was characterized by the lack of conversions and by acceptable rates of postoperative pancreatic fistulae and morbidity. Laparoscopy proved especially beneficial in patients with postoperative complications as they had a relatively short hospital stay. Solid and cystic tumors of the distal pancreas represent a good indication for laparoscopic resection whenever possible.