Inflammatory pseudotumor presenting as a cystic tumor of the pancreas

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the pancreas occurs rarely. Eighteen cases have been described in the English literature. In all previous patients IPT of the pancreas presented as solid pancreatic mass. We are reporting a case of IPT presenting as a cystic mass of the pancreas, which has not been described previously. A review of IPT of the pancreas and a discussion regarding the management of pancreatic cystic neoplasm is provided.     

Spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein for a large insulinoma

We report a successful spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for a large insulinoma with conservation of the splenic artery and vein. The patient was a 48-year-old man with syncope due to hypoglycemia. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography revealed a large 6-cm mass located in the tail of the pancreas. We adopted the laparoscopic approach to remove the tumor. After careful dissection and an accurate hemostasis between the pancreas and splenic vessels, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was carried out using a linear stapler. There were no perioperative complications. The patient was discharged uneventfully. He had no hypoglycemic episodes or abdominal symptoms during 8 months of follow-up. When performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons in conjunction with intraoperative ultrasonography, spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein is a technically feasible procedure for the treatment of benign lesions of the tail or body of the pancreas.     

Spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy after division of the splenic vessels

A 37-year-old woman with a history of syncope was hospitalized with a diagnosis of hypoglycemia due to insulinoma. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhanced solid mass, 1.5 cm in diameter, at the tail of the pancreas. Angiography via the splenic artery revealed a hypervascular mass. Because the tumor was located deep in the pancreatic parenchyma, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was performed. The pancreas was exposed by dissecting the greater omentum, and the tumor was located by intraoperative ultrasonography. After division of the splenic artery, the pancreas, main pancreatic duct, and splenic vein were transected with an endoscopic linear stapler. The pancreatic pedicle was divided at the splenic hilum to preserve the spleen. The postoperative course was uneventful except for the appearance of splenic infarction on a CT scan 2 weeks after surgery but without any overt symptoms. Spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy by division of splenic vessels is a feasible treatment option for benign pancreatic disease.     

Laparoscopic Enucleation of Insulinoma in a Patient with Annular Pancreas: a Rare Case

Introduction

Insulinoma and annular pancreas are both rare disorders. In this report, we describe a patient who had insulinoma in association with an annular pancreas.

Results and Conclusion

Because the computed tomography scan revealed no relationship between the tumor and the major pancreatic duct, we performed a laparoscopic insulinoma enucleation. As for the asymptomatic annular pancreas, no bypass procedure was performed. The patient recovered well.     

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.     

Pancreatic solid serous cystadenoma treated by laparoscopy: Presentation of a new case report and review of the literature

Solid serous cystadenoma is an uncommon benign pancreatic tumor, with only, including this case, 21 cases published so far. It is often misdiagnosis with other malignant pancreatic tumors.Below we report a new case of a solid serous cystadenoma of the pancreas treated by laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in 53-year-old female who presented with epigastric pain. Histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed a solid serous cystadenoma of the pancreas. Preoperative diagnosis of this subtype of serous cystadenoma is difficult, and, due to its benign nature, conservative resection of the tumor is the recommended treatment.After analyzing the literature, including this case from our department, we discuss clinical presentation, imaging characteristics and histopathological findings, considering in particular difficulties in preoperative diagnosis, feasibility of laparoscopic resection.     

Inflammatory mass formation caused by gastric ectopic pancreas: report of a case

Ectopic pancreas is a relatively rare condition that only occasionally causes the development of symptoms. This report presents a case of ectopic pancreas presenting as an inflammatory mass that formed in the gastric wall, which was successfully treated by surgical resection. A 32-year-old female was admitted due to a 3-year history of recurrent episodes of upper abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed an irregularly enhanced mass of heterogeneous density in the gastric antrum. Gastroscopy revealed a submucosally elevated mass with a central umbilication in the gastric antrum. These studies indicated the presence of a 3-cm ectopic pancreas associated with inflammatory changes. The patient underwent laparoscopic local resection of the stomach. Microscopic examination of the lesion revealed heterogenic pancreatic tissue containing islets, dilated pancreatic ducts, and massive fibrosis in the gastric wall, with acinar atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration. These findings indicated the formation of an inflammatory mass in the ectopic pancreas.     

Laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy

A case of chronic pancreatitis localized in the head of the pancreas with pancreas divisum was treated by laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. The laparoscopic technique of resection and reconstruction with a gastrojejunostomy, hepaticojejunostomy, and pancreaticojejunostomy is described. The postoperative period was complicated by a jejunal ulcer and delayed gastric emptying necessitating a prolonged hospitalization and intravenous hyperalimentation. No fistulas occurred, a follow-up CT scan revealed no pancreatic abnormalities, and the patient was discharged in good condition on the 30th postoperative day. Although technically feasible, the laparoscopic Whipple procedure may not improve the postoperative outcome or shorten the postoperative recovery period.Video presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Phoenix, Arizona, USA, 31 March–3 April 1993     

Laparoscopic treatment of paraesophageal hiatal hernia with incarceration of the pancreas and jejunum

We present a successful laparoscopic treatment of paraesophageal hiatal hernia with an incarceration of the pancreas and jejunum. The patient was a 75-year-old woman who had complaints of epigastric pain and dysphasia. A chest x-ray revealed a mediastinal air-fluid level. Chest computed tomography showed intestinal contents, body and tail of the pancreas, and the splenic artery within the mediastinum. At laparoscopy, jejunum was incarcerated into the mediastinal cavity through the internal hernia of transverse mesocolon. Body and tail of the pancreas and the splenic artery were also dislocated within the hernia sac. The operation time took 115 minutes. The patient tolerated a regular diet on the first postoperative day and was discharged uneventfully. There were no recurrence or abdominal symptoms during the 29-month follow-up period. In the case of asymptomatic paraesophageal hiatal hernia with incarcerating pancreas on diagnostic imagings, elective surgical treatment is required to prevent a critical outcome.     

The lasso technique for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

Background Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy is becoming an acceptable alternative to open resection for selected pancreatic lesions. One of the difficulties with this approach is manipulating the pancreas with laparoscopic instruments to avoid unnecessary injury to the pancreas, and yet obtain adequate margins. The described technique accomplishes these goals. Methods Data from all patients who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (always with splenectomy) were reviewed for age, gender, laparoscopic completion of the resection, postoperative complications, length of hosptial stay, and pathology. The essential component of the technique is use of a Penrose drain around the neck or proximal body of the pancreas as a “lasso” for atraumatic manipulation. This technique is described in detail. Results A total of 11 patients have undergone laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy using the lasso technique. Two patients (18%) underwent conversion to an open laparotomy: the because of bleeding from the pancreatic parenchyma and the other due to local invasion of a pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The average operating time was 162 ± 39 min, and the median length of hosptial stay was 3 days. There were two (18%) pancreatic leaks, both of which were treated conservatively with resolution. Pathologic examination, found six cystic neoplasms, two neuroendocrine tumors, two masses of chronic pancreatitis, and one adenocarcinoma. Conclusions The lasso technique simplifies intraoperative manipulation of the pancreas during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. It allows for safe manipulation of the pancreas and may expand the indications for the laparoscopic approach to pancreatic resection. This article contains a supplementary video. Presented in part at the 2004 Scientific Session of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, (SAGES), Denver, Colorado, 31 March to 2 April, 2004     

Laparoscopic resection of the pancreatic tail with splenic preservation

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of feasibility and efficacy of left resection of the pancreas with preservation of the splenic vessels and spleen as a laparoscopic procedure. BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic technique is used less often on the pancreas than on other organs. The most common indications are enucleation of endocrine-active tumors and distal resections for benign primary pancreatic lesions. An important premise of these operations is atraumatic removal of as little of the pancreas as possible and the preservation of the spleen and its main vessels. METHODS: Five patients aged 16 to 56 years, all female, underwent laparoscopic left resection of the pancreas with preservation of the splenic vessels and the spleen. There were 4 cases of benign epithelial tumors of the pancreas and 1 case of a left-sided adrenal cyst, which pre- and intraoperatively gave the impression of a pancreatic cystadenoma. RESULTS: In all 5 cases, the laparoscopic procedure was completed with preservation of the splenic vessels and the spleen itself. No patient required blood transfusion, and there was only 1 postoperative fluid collection at the site of the tumor resection, which was drained percutaneously on the fourth postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Distal pancreas resection can be performed as a laparoscopic procedure, with the usual advantages that this techniques has for the patient. Optimal closure of the cut edge of the pancreas and the preservation of the spleen and its main vessels are the most important aspects of this operation.     

Pyloric duplication with communication to the pancreas in a neonate simulating hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

An 11-day-old neonate presents with worsening nonbilious emesis and radiographic findings suggestive of pyloric stenosis. Using a laparoscopic approach, a slightly asymmetric and hypertrophied pylorus was visualized. The unusual age of presentation and appearance of the pylorus led to the decision to perform an open exploration for suspicion of a pyloric duplication. An incision of the pyloric muscle exposed and confirmed a duplication cyst. Further exposure revealed accessory pancreatic tissue communicating from the cyst to the main body of the pancreas. The duplication cyst and accessory pancreas were resected, and the patient had an uneventful recovery. Pyloric duplication is a rare cause of congenital extrinsic obstruction in the newborn. Even rarer is a communication of the duplication cyst with the pancreas. Resection of the duplication cyst and the aberrant pancreatic tissue and duct is recommended.     

Laparoscopic resection of epidermoid cyst arising from an intrapancreatic accessory spleen: a case report with a review of the literature

We describe a rare case of epidermoid cyst arising in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen that presented as a cystic mass in the tail of the pancreas, and for which laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was performed successfully. A 36-year-old woman with a cystic mass in the tail of the pancreas, which had been discovered incidentally at a medical checkup, was referred to our department for further examination. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasonography and positron emission tomography demonstrated a multilocular cyst in the tail of the pancreas without any evidence of malignancy, although differential diagnosis was extremely difficult because of the neoplasm-like appearance of the lesion. Therefore, we performed laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy under a preoperative diagnosis of mucinous cystic neoplasm. Postoperative pathologic examination demonstrated an epidermoid cyst arising from a heterotopic spleen within the pancreas. This is the first report of successful laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for an epidermoid cyst arising in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen. One virtually has no chance to diagnose an epidermoid cyst in an accessory spleen on the basis of preoperative diagnostic workup, and consequently the type of surgical resection (open vs. laparoscopic) would be conditioned by factors other than the clinical entity suspected at the preoperative period.     

Laparoscopic resection of ectopic pancreas in the gastric antrum: case report and literature review

We report a case of ectopic pancreas tissue in the gastric wall that was removed using a minimally invasive approach. The patient was a 46-year-old obese woman who presented with fatigue, weakness, abdominal discomfort, and guaiac-positive stools. Laboratory analysis showed iron deficiency anemia. Preoperative endoscopy revealed a submucosal lesion in the gastric antrum. Intraoperative upper endoscopy clearly located the lesion at the antrum. The lesion was marked with India ink, allowing it to be identified easily at laparoscopy. A laparoscopic wedge resection of the gastric antrum was performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery. We believe that this is a valid treatment option for this benign condition.     

Laparoscopic resection of uncinate process of the pancreas

Background  Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is an uncommon but distinctive pancreatic neoplasm with low metastatic potential [1]. Therefore, whenever feasible, an organ-preserving operation should be performed. As previously reported, women with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas may be best treated by more conservative procedures [2]. Recently, laparoscopic pancreatic resections became more common and are being performed in highly specialized centers. There are only six cases of laparoscopic resection for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of pancreas published in the English literature and, to our knowledge, laparoscopic resection of uncinate process of the pancreas has never been reported [3–6]. This video demonstrates the technical aspects of a totally laparoscopic resection of the uncinate process of the pancreas in a patient with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm. Methods  A 26-year-old woman with a 4-cm solid pseudopapillary pancreatic neoplasm was referred for surgical treatment. According to preoperative echoendoscopy, there was a safe margin between neoplasm and main pancreatic duct. The patient was placed in supine position with the surgeon standing between her legs. Four trocars, one 10-mm and three 5-mm, were used. At inspection, the inferior vena cava, transverse colon, duodenum, and pancreas are clearly identified. A Kocher maneuver was performed with complete exposure of pancreatic head and uncinate process. The uncinate process was dissected from the superior mesenteric vein and venous branches were divided between metallic clips or by use of laparoscopic coagulation shears (LCS; Ethicon Endo Surgery Industries, Cincinnati, OH, USA). Blood supply of the duodenum was preserved by ligature of small pancreatic branches from inferior pancreatoduodenal artery. Transection of pancreatic parenchyma was performed using laparoscopic coagulation shears, which is an effective tool for cutting the pancreas [7, 8]. Surgical specimen was removed through a suprapubic incision inside a retrieval bag. A hemostatic absorbable tissue (Surgicel; Ethicon Inc., Cincinnati, OH) was placed in the cutting pancreatic surface, and one round 19F Blake abdominal drain (Ethicon) was left in place. Results  Operative time was 180 minutes and blood loss estimated in 40 ml with no blood transfusion. Hospital stay was 4 days. The patient did not have postoperative pancreatitis or pancreatic leakage, and the abdominal drain was removed on the tenth postoperative day. Final pathology confirmed the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of pancreas with free surgical margins. The patient was well and asymptomatic 2 months after the procedure. Conclusions  Laparoscopic resection of uncinate process of the pancreas is safe and feasible and should be considered for patients suffering from pancreatic neoplasms. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

A totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy and reconstruction

Although many reports have described laparoscopic pancreatic surgery, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has not been widely employed because of technical difficulties. This paper describes a totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving PD performed for an intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm. After the laparoscopic resection, an end-to-side pancreaticojejunostomy including duct-to-mucosa anastomosis without a stenting tube, an approximation of the pancreas stump and jejunal wall, an end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy, and an end-to-side duodenojejunostomy were performed intracorporeally. The patient recovered without any complications and was discharged on the 14th postoperative day. The surgical margin was free of neoplastic changes. Although the experience is limited and the appropriate indications must await future studies, this case indicates that a laparoscopic pylorus-preserving PD can be feasible, safe, and effective in highly selected patients.     

Laparoscopic Biopsies in Pancreas Transplantation

As there is no precise laboratory test or imaging study for detection of pancreas allograft rejection, there is increasing interest in obtaining pancreas tissue for diagnosis. Pancreas allograft biopsies are most commonly performed percutaneously, transcystoscopically, or endoscopically, yet pancreas transplant surgeons often lack the skills to perform these types of biopsies. We have performed 160 laparoscopic pancreas biopsies in 95 patients. There were 146 simultaneous kidney–pancreas biopsies and 14 pancreas‐only biopsies due to pancreas alone, kidney loss, or extraperitoneal kidney. Biopsies were performed for graft dysfunction (89) or per protocol (71). In 13 cases, an additional laparoscopic procedure was performed at the same operation. The pancreas diagnostic tissue yield was 91.2%; however, the pancreas could not be visualized in eight cases (5%) and in 6 cases the tissue sample was nondiagnostic (3.8%). The kidney tissue yield was 98.6%. There were four patients with intraoperative complications requiring laparotomy (2.5%) with two additional postoperative complications. Half of all these complications were kidney related. There were no episodes of pancreatic enzyme leak and there were no graft losses related to the procedure. We conclude that laparoscopic kidney and pancreas allograft biopsies can be safely performed with very high tissue yields.     

Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy in Children: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background Laparoscopic resection of benign tumors of the pancreas has been reported in adults, but only four cases of partial laparoscopic pancreatectomy in children have been described in the English-language literature. Methods We describe the case of an 11-year-old girl with a solid pseudopapillary tumor who was treated with a laparoscopic, spleen-preserving, distal pancreatectomy. The specimen was extracted in an endoscopic bag retrieval system through a Pfannenstiel incision. Operative time was 120 minutes, and minimal blood loss occurred. The literature is reviewed. Results The postoperative course was uneventful. Twenty-two months after the operation, clinical follow-up (including assessment of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function) revealed nothing abnormal. The functional and aesthetic results were satisfactory. Conclusions The technique used for our case is simple and reproducible, was completed safely within a reasonable operative time, and yielded a good result.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic total pancreatectomy for a main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas

The laparoscopic approach to pancreatectomy entails a number of restrictions in performing major pancreatic surgery. This report describes a hand-assisted laparoscopic total pancreatectomy performed for a main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas. Dissection of the gastroduodenal artery and splenic artery, and the transection of the duodenum were done through the midline mini-laparotomy, while mobilization of the spleen and the pancreatic tail and body, and Kocher’s maneuver were performed using the hand-assisted laparoscopic approach. Furthermore, dissection of lymph nodes in the hepatoduodenal ligament, removal of the gallbladder, division of the hepatic duct, tunneling of the pancreas, and dissection of the pancreas from the superior mesenteric vein and superior mesenteric artery were possible to perform safely under a pure laparoscopic technique with an excellent laparoscopic view. The reconstruction procedures were performed through the mini-laparotomy. The hand-assisted laparoscopic total pancreatectomy should be considered for the treatment of selected patients because it has various advantages as one type of minimally invasive surgery.