Central pancreatectomy for neoplasm of mid pancreas — a report of four cases

Central pancreatectomy (CP) originally done for pancreatic trauma and focal pancreatitis is recently being performed for benign and low grade malignant neoplasm of mid pancreas. It offers the advantage of conserving pancreatic tissue and preserving gastroduodenal-biliary anatomy, important for maintenance of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function. We reviewed our database between Jan. 2005 and June 2007. Four patients (2 males and 2 females) in the age range of 12 to 55 years underwent CP for a mass in the mid pancreas. Two were known diabetic. Histology reported solid variant of serous cystadenoma (1), solid pseudopapillary tumor (1), focal pancreatitis (1) and ductal adenocarcinoma (1). Postoperatively one patient had transient pancreatic fistula which was managed conservatively. There was no mortality. On follow-up (7 to 43 months) none of the patients required enzyme supplements and diabetes did not worsen. Patient with ductal adenocarcinoma progressed within 7 months. CP may be a viable option for mid pancreatic lesions of benign or low grade malignant potential.