Laparoscopic Warshaw procedure in pediatric solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: Technical feasibility and oncological outcomes

Abstract

Achieving margin-negative resection is crucial in treatment of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas, while preserving the spleen during distal pancreatectomy is highly desirable in pediatric cases. Laparoscopic Warshaw procedure (Lap-WT) is invaluable when tumor involvement in splenic vessels complicates preservation. However, the feasibility of Lap-WT in pediatric patients remains contentious. This study presents the clinical outcomes of three pediatric SPN cases who underwent Lap-WT. The median age was 10 years, with a median tumor size of 50 mm. Lap-WT demonstrated successful outcomes with a median operation time of 311 min and blood loss of 12 mL. No postoperative complications occurred, with a median length of hospital stay of 8 days. Long-term follow-up showed mild thrombocytopenia and increased spleen volume in two cases, perigastric varices in one, with no bleeding complications. No instances of tumor recurrence were observed. Lap-WT emerges as a feasible approach for pediatric SPN, ensuring spleen preservation without compromising oncological outcomes.