Laparoscopic Total Pancreatectomy for Chronic Pancreatitis

Although minimally invasive pancreatectomy has been performed increasingly for pancreatic malignancies, many authors feel that a history of pancreatitis is a contraindication to either laparoscopic or robotic-assisted pancreatectomy. Shown here is a video (Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/SLE/A172) of a laparoscopic total pancreatectomy with splenectomy for chronic pancreatitis. This patient was denied auto-islet cell transplantation because of insurance restraints. In total, 4 laparoscopic total pancreatectomies have been attempted and completed. Indications for laparoscopic total pancreatectomy have been 2 for diffuse intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, 1 for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and the above-mentioned patient. No patient suffered a biliary leak, and the average length of stay was 5 days (range, 4 to 8 d). History of pancreatitis is a relative contraindication to minimally invasive pancreatectomy. It should be performed by surgeons with expertise in both open and minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.