Introduction : Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is suitable for benign and premalignant neoplasms located in the body and tail of the pancreas. In addition, spleen-preservation following distal pancreatectomy for benign or low-grade malignant disease is known to be safe.

Methods : We present a case of 27-year-old female patient with a solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas treated by laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with segmental resection of the splenic artery vein (Warshaw technique).

Results : Her body mass index was 41.3 kg/m2. Follow up CT scan showed no evidence of splenic infarction, but, fluid collection around the pancreatic cut surface on the 5th postoperative day. She underwent percutaneous drainage insertion for fluid collection and was discharged on the 10th postoperative day.

Conclusions : The surgical strategy of segmental resection of the splenic artery and vein for spleen preservation seems feasible and represents an alternative option for spleen preservation in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy even though an obese patient. More clinical experience is required to address the advantages, limitations, and reproducibility of this technique.