Chinical experience of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy

Due to the limitations of laparoscopic surgery,the lack of special instrument,and the particular location,structure,and function of the pancreas,laparoscopic pancreatic surgery develops slowly and is used only for diagnosis. With the innovation of laparoscopic instruments,the increases in operative experience,and the improvement in laparoscopic technology,laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is safe and effective for the appropriate cases. In order to avoid the splenectomy- associated complications,laparoscopic spleen- preserving distal pancreatectomy is preferable. There are mainly two methods to preserve the spleen: Kimura' s method and Warshaw' s method. The Kimura' s method is a difficult technology and has a high risk,but it can preserve all functions of the spleen and has few complications. The Warshaw's method has a narrow indication,a low risk of bleeding,and a short operation time,but it has a high incidence of complications and can hardly preserve all functions of the spleen. Therefore,the Kimura' s method is the first choice to preserve the spleen and the Warshaw' s method is a replacement technology.