Introduction : This study compared the patency of the splenic vessels between laparoscopic and open spleen and splenic vessel-preserving distal pancreatectomy.

Methods : We retrospectively reviewed database of 137 patients who underwent Laparoscopic (n=91) or open(n=46) spleen and splenic vessel-preserving distal pancreatectomy at a single institute from 2001 through 2015. Splenic vessel patency was assessed by abdominal computed tomography and classified into three grades according to the degree of stenosis.

Results : Postoperative wound complication were significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (19.8% vs. 28.3%, P=0.006), and hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (7 vs 9 days, p=0.001). Median follow up periods were 22(3.7-96.2) and 31.7(4-104) months in the laparoscopic and open groups. The splenic artery patency rate was similar in both groups (97.8 vs. 95.7%, P=0.779). And splenic vein patency rate was no significantly different between two groups (74.7% vs. 82.6%, P=0.521).

Conclusions : Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is acceptable procedure for spleen and splenic vessel preservation compared to open distal pancreatectomy, and show better postoperative outcome such as wound complication and hospital days.