The short-term outcomes of laparoscopic enucleation of pancreatic tumors with exposing the Wirsung duct

Background: It is widely believed that the prerequisite for safely performing enucleation is that the distance between the tumor and the main pancreatic duct (MPD) is at least 2-3 mm. However, enucleating a deep pancreatic tumor adjacent to the MPD remains challenging, particularly when exposure or repair of the MPD is necessary. This study reported our initial experience with this procedure and demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the MPD exposure or repair.

Methods: Patients who underwent laparoscopic enucleation (LapEN) with exposing the MPD from January 2017 to August 2023 were collected and analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. Data from procedures of laparoscopic middle pancreatectomy (LMP) and LapEN for superficial tumors were collected for comparative analyses.

Results: A total of 26 patients were enrolled, 27 tumors were enucleated. Tumor located in the pancreatic head and neck (n = 20), and the body (n = 7). The mean tumor size, operating time, and blood loss were 2.3 cm, 163 min, and 63 ml, respectively. MPD injuries occurred in 8 cases due to the need for complete tumor resection, which were repaired or reconstructed using 6-0 PDS-II with or not inserting a plastic stent. 10 cases (38.5%) developed surgical-related complications, seven (26.9%) were classified as Clavien-Dindo grade I, and three (11.5%) were Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa. Biochemical leakage occurred in 16 cases (61.5%), clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) occurred in 10 cases (38.5%). Two patients (7.7%) experienced post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage. Further analyses indicated LapEN with MPD exposure had a longer operating time and higher incidence of CR-POPF compared to LapEN for superficial tumors, but a shorter operating time and less blood loss compared to LMP (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic enucleation with exposing the MPD is feasible and safe with the support of precise preoperative assessments, meticulous intraoperative dissection, well familiarity with the anatomy of the MPD, and excellent surgical skills.