Background/purpose: In recent years there has been an increase in the indications for pancreatic resection of benign or low-grade malignant lesions, especially in young patients with long life expectancy. In this setting, patients may benefit from parenchyma-sparing resections in order to decrease the risk of development of exocrine/endocrine insufficiency.
Methods: A review of the literature and authors experience was undertaken.
Results: Parenchyma-sparing resections of the pancreas including enucleation, middle pancreatectomy (MP) and middle-preserving pancreatectomy are described. Short and long-term outcomes after surgery are analyzed with special regard to postoperative morbidity/mortality, and oncological and functional long-term results.
Conclusions: Parenchyma-sparing resections are safe and effective procedures for treatment of benign and low-grade malignant neoplasms. Despite a significant postoperative morbidity they are associated with good long-term functional and oncological results. Enucleation should preferentially be performed laparoscopically whenever possible.