Combined division of the splenic vessels and pancreatic parenchyma during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is a safe alternative to separate division: a single-institution retrospective study.

Background: Limited data exists regarding the safety and outcomes of combined division of the splenic vessels with the pancreatic parenchyma during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). This study aims to evaluate the combined division technique.

Methods: Patients who underwent LDP for pancreatic cancer from April 2011 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed and categorized into the following groups: combined (CV) versus separate (SV) division of the splenic vein; combined (CA) versus separate (SA) division of the splenic artery; and combined (CAV) versus separate (SAV) division of the splenic artery and vein, with or without the pancreatic parenchyma.

Results: Among the 80 patients included, 44 underwent CV and 36 underwent SV. Operative time and major morbidity were significantly lower in CV compared with SV. Similar findings were observed in CAV versus SAV, as well as lower blood loss in CAV. Operative time was significantly lower in CA versus SA. Pancreatic fistula and postpancreatectomy hemorrhage rates showed no significant differences between groups. No patient developed splenic arteriovenous fistula in follow-up.

Conclusion: Combined division of the splenic vessels with the pancreatic parenchyma during LDP is safe and associated with improved outcomes compared with separate division.