Retroperitoneoscopic distal pancreatectomy: a new surgical approach

Wideochir Inne Tech Maloinwazyjne. 2019 Sep;14(3):374-380. doi: 10.5114/wiitm.2019.81442. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

Abstract

Introduction: The traditional laparoscopic surgery is difficult to deal with the deep lesions of the body and tail of the pancreas, which may damage the visceral organs of the abdominal cavity and cause abdominal adhesion and other related complications.

Aim: This paper introduces the operation procedure of retroperitoneoscopy in pancreatic surgery, and evaluates its feasibility in clinical application.

Material and methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on patients with retroperitoneal pancreatectomy in our hospital. The anatomical features of the fascia, surgical plane composition and surgical pathway of the fascia of the retroperitoneoscopic pancreatectomy were observed during the operation, and the surgical safety and feasibility were analyzed. The following parameters were evaluated: operation time, blood loss, pancreatic fistula, postoperative gastro-intestinal recovery, hospital stay.

Results: All 3 patients had a smooth operation and no serious complications occurred. During retroperitoneal laparoscopic pancreatectomy, there is a vascularized plane between the posterior fascia of the pancreas and the prerenal fascia, which can avoid injury of the visceral organs and retroperitoneal vessels. The anterior renal fascia should be used as the posterior boundary of the safe separation plane.

Conclusions: The surgical plane based on the anatomy of the fascia and interstitial dissection is the theoretical basis of modern surgery, which is safe, fast and effective. The inter-prerenal fascia plane is the correct and safe anatomical plane of posterior laparoscopic surgery.

Keywords: Toldt’s fascia; inter-prerenal-fascia planes; pancreas; retroperitoneoscopy.