The aim of the study was to analyse early results after middle pancreatectomy based on our experience.
Material and methods: During the period between 2008 and 2009, 154 pancreatic resections were performed at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Silesian Medical University in Katowice. The following procedures were performed: 109 (70.78%) pancreatoduodenectomies, 32 (20.78%) distal pancreatectomies, 9 (5.84%) middle pancreatectomies, 3 (1.94%) total pancreatic resections, and 1 (0.65%) subtotal pancreatic resection. Early results in case of nine middle pancreatectomies were subject to analysis.
Results: Average hospitalization period amounted to 24.28 days (ranging between 8 and 57 days). Mean hospitalization period after surgery amounted to 20.71 days (ranging between 6 and 54 days). Average duration of the surgical procedure amounted to 3.6 hours (ranging between 2.25 and 4 hours). Wirsung's duct required drainage in 4 (44.4%) patients. Pancreatoenterostomy was performed in 5 (55.5%) patients. Early postoperative complications were observed in three (33.3%) patients. The most common complications included wound suppuration and intra-abdominal abscess development observed in two (22.2%) patients. Pancreatic fistula development during the postoperative period was observed in case of one (11.1%) patient. Other early postoperative complications included peritoneal cavity hemorrhage (1-11.1%) and pancreatic necrosis (1-11.1%). Two (2.22%) reoperations were required. Early postoperative mortality amounted to 0%.
Conclusions: Middle pancreatectomy operations performed in experienced centers are considered as safe procedures with a low rate of complications. The most common indication for middle pancreatectomy is the diagnosis of a benign pancreatic tumor.