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Updated: Apr 3, 2026
Laparoscopic Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy via Dorsal-Caudal Artery Approach for Pancreatic Neck-Body Cancer
Published on: November 18, 2022
Robotic spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: a single-centered Chinese experience
Yang Liu1, Wen-Bin Ji2, Hong-Guang Wang3
1Hepatobiliary Department, PLA General Hospital of China, Beijing, 100853, China. gdwk301@sina.com.
Background:
Spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is technically challenging. New surgical robotic systems are now available and show promising outcomes but were very recently implemented in China.
Methods:
Seven patients underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy using the da Vinci Robotic System (RDP) for benign or borderline malignant pancreatic tumors. Spleen preservation rate, blood loss, and operative complications were assessed.
Results:
Mean age was 44.6 ± 13.7 years. Surgery was uneventful in all patients, without conversion to laparotomy. The surgical time (including anesthesia induction, robot docking, operation, and postoperative awaking time) was 460 ± 154 min, while the operation time was 368 ± 126 min. Blood losses were 200 ± 110 mL. The minor (Clavien I+II) complication rate was 14.3%, and the major (Clavien III+IV) complication rate was 14.3 %, including hemorrhage and pancreatic leakage. The spleen preservation rate was 100%. All complications were successfully managed and cured. Intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound examination successfully identified the correct surgical resection margins. Mean postoperative hospitalization was 8.7 ± 6.6 days. No patient had to undergo a second pancreas surgery. Patients were followed up for a median of 6.8 months (range, 6 to 22 months). All patients survived and reported few discomforts.
Conclusions:
RDP is feasible and allows the preservation of the splenic vessels.
