Results of radical distal pancreatectomy with en bloc resection of the celiac artery for locally advanced cancer of the pancreatic body

Background: Locally advanced cancer of the pancreatic body involving the celiac and/or common hepatic arteries is often considered unresectable. Radical distal pancreatectomy with en bloc resection of these arteries without reconstruction was recently introduced to treat these tumors. However, experience is still limited. This study reviewed the safety and utility of the operation. Patients and methods: We retrospectively studied the charts of 13 patients who underwent radical distal pancreatectomy. Results: Unplanned arterial reconstruction was required in three patients due to accidental injury. The postoperative mortality rate was 0% despite a morbidity rate of 62%. Patient's intractable abdominal and/or back pain was completely relieved immediately after surgery. Contrary to expectations, postoperative diarrhea was mild. The surgical margins, including the retroperitoneum, were clear histologically (R0 resection) in all patients. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 51% and 14%, respectively, and median survival was 12.2 months. The site of recurrence was the liver in six patients and retroperitoneum in one. Conclusions: Distal pancreatectomy with en bloc resection of the celiac artery is feasible and safe, offers a high resectability rate, and has dramatic analgesic effect. Local control of disease is excellent despite frequent hepatic recurrence.