[Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for portal annular pancreas]

Portal annular pancreas is a little-known anatomical variant of annular pancreas. In these patients, pancreatic parenchyma encircles the portal vein annularly. This anomaly is associated with high risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula in pancreatic surgery. Considering small incidence of anomaly and characteristics of surgery, we describe laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of spleen and splenic vessels in a patient with solid pseudopapillary tumor combined with portal annular pancreas. A 33-year-old woman underwent laparoscopic surgery for cystic-solid pancreatic tumor. Spleen-sparing distal pancreatectomy was performed. Portal annular pancreas was visualized intraoperatively and confirmed retrospectively after analysis of MR data. Ventral and dorsal parts of portal annular pancreas were transected using stapler device. Pancreatic fistula developed in postoperative period. The patient was discharged after 6 days with a drainage tube. Surgeons need to be aware of portal annular pancreas. This anomaly increases the risk of postoperative fistula. Transection of ventral and dorsal parts of annular pancreas using stapler device is the most acceptable option to reduce the risk of postoperative fistula.