Indications and complications of medial pancreatectomy: A report of 26 cases

Objective To study the advantages and complications of medial pancreatectomy (MP) in treatment of benign pancreatic tumor. Methods Clinical data about 26 patients who underwent MP in our department from January 2008 to September 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Results The 26 patients underwent MP and Roux-en-Y type pancreatico-jejunostomy respectively, with an operation time of 150.6 ±40.3 min, a blood loss of 180.7 ±68.5 ml, and a mean distal pancreas preservation length of 6.5±1.7 cm. The tumor was diagnosed as a benign lesion after operation. The postoperative hospital stay time of the patients was 24.4±15.3 d. Class A pancreatic fstula occurred in 12 patients (46.1%) after operation and cured after conservative treatment. One patient died of intra-abdominal massive hemorrhage. The patients were followed up for 3-18 months, during which no tumor reoccurred. The exocrine function was impaired in 1 patient, and diabetes mellitus was found in 1 patient, which did not exacerbate. Conclusion MP is a safe procedure for benign and low malignant tumors in pancreatic neck and body, and can preserve the endocrine and exocrine function of patients, thus improving their postoperative quality of life.