Laparoscopic pancreatic enucleation: cystic lesions and proximity to the Wirsung duct increase postoperative pancreatic fistula

Background Risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreatic enucleation by the open approach (OpenEN) are well known. However, ENs are more frequently performed laparoscopically (LapEN). The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors of POPF following LapEN. Methods and patients All patients in our prospective database who underwent LapEN were evaluated. We report the demographics, surgical, early and long-term outcomes. Numerous variables were analyzed to identify the risk factors of POPF. Results From 2008 to 2020, 650 laparoscopic pancreatic resections were performed including 64 EN (10%). The median age was 51 years old (17–79), median BMI was 24 (19–48), and 44 patients were women (69%). The main presentation was an incidental diagnosis ( n = 40; 62%), pain ( n = 10;16%), and hypoglycemia ( n = 8;12%). The main indications were neuroendocrine tumors (40; 63%), mucinous cystadenomas (15; 23%), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasie (3; 5%), and other benign cysts (6; 9%). Lesions were located on the distal pancreas (43; 67%), head ( n = 17; 27%), and neck (4; 6%). The median size was 20 mm (9–110); 30 mm (20–110) for mucinous cystadenoma and 18 mm (8–33) for NET. The median operative time was 90 mn (30–330), median blood loss was 20 ml (0–800) ml, and there were no transfusions and one conversion. There were no mortalities and overall morbidity ( n = 22; 34%) included grades B and C POPF (10;16%) and post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (4; 6%). The median hospital stay was 7 days (3–42). There were no invaded lymph nodes and all cystic lesions were nonmalignant. After a mean follow-up of 24 months, there was no recurrence. The risk factors for grades B/C POPF were mucinous cystadenoma and proximity to the Wirsung duct < 3 mm. Conclusion In this series, the outcome of LapEN was excellent with no mortality and a low rate of morbidity. However, the risk of POPF is increased with cystic lesions and those close to the Wirsung duct.