Central pancreatectomy. Indications and perisurgical results of a pancreatic tissue conservation technique

Proximal or distal pancreatectomy is the standard treatment for non-resectable benign pancreatic tumors. These procedures imply a radical resection as well as a significant loss of distal normal pancreatic tissue for the standard resection, which may cause an endocrine and/or exocrine pancreatic failure. Report our experience in central pancreatectomy for the treatment of benign/low malignancy potential tumors in the body and neck of the pancreas by emphasizing the indications and perisurgical results. Prospective study of patients with suspected benign tumors in the body of pancreas. Resection of central pancreas through a Roux-en-Y pancreatojejunal anastomosis. From March 1997 to May 2005, 12 patients underwent central pancreatectomy through pancreatojejunal anastomosis. 6 benign tumors were found in the islets of Langerhans: 3 microcystic cystadenomas, 1 mucinous cystadenoma, 1 pseudopapillary solid tumor, and 1 serous cystadenoma. Morbidity rate was 33.3% with no post-surgery deaths. Pancreatic failure was not reported during follow up. Some selected cases of benign/low malignancy potential tumors may be treated with central pancreatectomy and pancreatojejunal anastomosis with acceptable morbidity levels and minimum mortality levels. The benefit from preserving the greatest extension of healthy pancreatic tissue as possible is translated into a preservation of the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas.