Distal pancreatectomy is a complex surgical procedure that involves the removal of the body and tail of the pancreas, leaving the head intact. In most cases, the spleen is also removed to ensure complete lymphadenectomy around the blood vessels that supply the spleen. However, if the procedure is being performed to treat a benign condition, the spleen may be preserved, which makes the surgery technically more demanding.
Distal pancreatectomy is indicated for the treatment of tumours located in the body or tail of the pancreas.
The most common complication associated with distal pancreatectomy is pancreatic fistula, which occurs when pancreatic juice leaks from the site where the pancreas was cut and sutured during the surgery. This can lead to the formation of a liquid collection in the abdomen, which is prone to developing an intra-abdominal infection. However, with adequate intraoperative drainage and antibiotic therapy, the risk of infection is reduced. The contents are drained using an abdominal drain until the fistula is completely repaired. In most cases, this complication does not require specific surgical treatment.
Following the procedure, patients typically spend one day in the intensive care unit before getting up with assistance on the first day and moving independently from the second or third day. Liquid food can be taken as early as the first day after the operation. The average hospital stay is around 5-6 days if there are no complications.
