LAPAROSCOPIC DISTAL PANCREATECTOMY IN THE PORCINE MODEL

Our aim was to assess the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic dista l pancreatectomy in an animate model. After developing the technique i n acute animal experiments, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was per formed in five young domestic pigs. Five trocars were used (2-10 mm, 2 -12 mm, 1-11 mm) for video laparoscopic access to the peritoneal cavit y. The operations were performed without complication in 62-95 min (me an +/- SEM, 77 +/- 7 min). Each animal tolerated oral feedings on the first postoperative day and subsequently gained 6-11 kg (10 +/- 2 kg) in the 4-7-week interval prior to sacrifice. Although there was a sign ificant increase in serum amylase on the first postoperative day, this was associated with a comparable increase in hematocrit, possibly rep resenting hemoconcentration. The weight of the laparoscopically resect ed pancreatic segment ranged from 16 to 36 g (19 +/- 2 g) while that o f the pancreatic head at sacrifice was 13-29 g (21 +/- 3 g). At the ti me of sacrifice, there were few intraabdominal adhesions and no eviden ce of fluid collection or pancreatitis. The staple line across the bod y of the pancreas was grossly intact in all animals. We conclude that laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in the porcine model is feasible an d safe. It may therefore be possible to perform laparoscopic distal pa ncreatectomy in humans.