A central pancreatectomy for benign or low-grade malignant neoplasms.

INTRODUCTION: A central pancreatectomy is a parenchyma-sparing procedure that is performed to reduce long-term endocrine and exocrine insufficiency.

METHOD: In this study, we analyzed the perioperative course, the frequency of postoperative onset of diabetes mellitus, and long-term change of body weight in patients undergoing a central pancreatectomy, in comparison to the patients undergoing a distal pancreatectomy for low-grade neoplasms including cystic neoplasms and neuroendocrine tumors.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The rate of postoperative complications including grade B/C pancreatic fistula was no different between both groups. Only one patient undergoing a central pancreatectomy (4.7%) developed new onset of mild diabetes, whereas 35% in the distal pancreatectomy group developed new onset or worsening diabetes (p = 0.0129). The body weight in the distal pancreatectomy group was significant lower than that in the central pancreatectomy group at 1 and 2 years after surgery (1 year; P < 0.0001, 2 years; P = 0.0055), and the body weight in the patients undergoing a central pancreatectomy improved to preoperative values within 2 years after surgery.

CONCLUSION: A central pancreatectomy is a safe procedure for the treatment of low-grade malignant neoplasms in the pancreatic body; the rate of onset of diabetes is minimal, and the body weight improves early in the postoperative course.