The Gastrohepatic Ligament Approach Using Multiple Traction Tapes in Laparoscopic Spleen-Preserving Distal...

The gastrohepatic ligament approach is a form of robot-assisted spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP).^1,2 This approach does not require omentum transection, peri-splenic dissection, or stomach traction.

Considering the advantages of preserving collateral pathways around the spleen, the authors performed the gastrohepatic ligament approach in laparoscopic SPDP while preserving splenic vessels (LSPDP), with specific modifications for laparoscopic surgery. The following surgical technique was performed. First, the gastrohepatic ligament was divided extensively, and all subsequent procedures were performed through the gastrohepatic ligament route. The superior and inferior borders of the pancreas then were dissected to encircle the common hepatic and splenic arteries with vessel loops and to expose the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and portal vein. After taping of the pancreas on the SMV, the pancreas was divided using a linear stapler. Next, the pancreas was dissected from proximal to distal with preservation of the splenic vessels. Re-taping and traction of the splenic vessels and pancreas could facilitate the dissection of the pancreas body, especially at the splenic hilum. The appropriate counter traction using traction tapes allowed efficient laparoscopic procedures. The LSPDP was performed for three patients, including one obese patient (body mass index, 36 kg/m²) and two patients with an anomalous left hepatic artery branching from the left gastric artery.

The mean operation time was 186 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 37 mL.

The gastrohepatic ligament approach could be an option for performing LSPDP with the counter traction technique for low-grade malignant tumors.