Initial experience in total laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with pancreatogastrostomy

Central pancreatectomy is an ideal treatment option to preserve pancreatic parenchyma and function for the benign and low-grade malignant tumors limited to the pancreatic neck or proximal body of the pancreas. This study presents our initial experience in total laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with pancreatogastrostomy. In 2013, two consecutive patients underwent total laparoscopic central pancreatectomy at our hospital. Data on surgical procedure, post-operative course, and follow-up were evaluated. Both the patients successfully underwent total laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with pancreatogastrostomy. The operating times were 250 and 300 min with blood loss of 100 and 200 ml and post-operative hospital stay of 9 and 10 days, respectively. The first patient did not suffer any post-operative complications. The second patient developed intra-abdominal fluid collection due to pancreatic fistula which was managed by percutaneous drainage. These two patients had no post-operative diabetes mellitus or exocrine insufficiency within the follow-up periods of 14 and 10 months, respectively. Thus, laparoscopic CP is a safe and feasible technique for treating benign and low-grade malignant tumors in the neck or proximal body of the pancreas when performed by highly skilled pancreatic and laparoscopic surgeons.