Surgical outcome and prognosis of pediatric solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm

Naonori Kawakubo1, Junkichi Takemoto1, Keiko Irie1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.

Insights

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) in children have a good prognosis after pancreatectomy. Enucleation, while common, may lead to more complications, so surgeons should consider this risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) are rare pancreatic tumors primarily affecting young females.
  • Understanding the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric SPNs is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of pediatric patients with SPNs.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of different pancreatectomy procedures for pediatric SPNs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent pancreatectomy for SPNs between 1995 and 2020.
  • Analysis of surgical procedures, including pancreatoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and enucleation.
  • Assessment of postoperative complications and long-term outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Twelve pediatric patients (median age 10 years) underwent pancreatectomy for SPNs.
  • Enucleation was the most frequent procedure (58.3%), followed by distal pancreatectomy (25%) and pancreatoduodenectomy (16.6%).
  • Postoperative pancreatic fistula was the most common complication (50%), with enucleation associated with higher rates.

Conclusions:

  • SPNs in pediatric patients demonstrate a favorable prognosis irrespective of the surgical approach.
  • While enucleation is frequently used, surgeons must be aware of its potential for increased postoperative complications.
Abstract

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