Introduction: Although the first successful laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in Martin was recorded in 2005, after five years we have successfully established this unique surgical procedure. The aim of this paper is to present two successful laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies in patients with neuroendocrine tumors of the distal pancreas.
Materials and methods: Laparoscopic distal pancreatic resection is currently challenging many pancreatobiliary surgeons. Its open alternative is the standard surgery for tumors in the body and tail of pancreas. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy meets all aspects of radical oncological resection including lymphadenectomy. Similarly to open resection is often associated with splenectomy, but brings significant benefit to the patient in the form miniinvasivity. The paper gives crucial points of surgical procedure that is still an unique surgery.
Results: Although the last 4 months we operated on laparoscopically only 2 patients we present at least the preliminary experience with this method as well as a rich documentation of these procedures.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in the hands of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon has the chance to become an alternative to an open surgery.