Spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy in isolated pancreatic trauma

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Isolated pancreatic trauma is a rare condition and commonly come up in children or young adults.The poor initial symptoms lead to delay diagnosis and treatment. The treatment of isolated distal pancreatic trauma including the Wirsung’s duct is generally distal pancreatectomy. In an emergency setting, splenectomy is a common additional organ resection requirement with the distal pancreatectomy. However, in circumstances, spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy can provide advantages in these age groups even in emergency conditions.

CASE REPORT: Twenty-four-year old male was referred two days after a traffic accident. Acute abdominal findings required laparotomy and preoperative computed tomography revealed a isolated distal pancreatic trauma including the Wirsung. In the hemodynamically stable patient, a spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) was performed uneventfully.

CONCLUSION: Spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy is a beneficial and safe surgical option in isolated distal pancreatic trauma. We propose this surgical procedure for children and young patients, who have good general condition, stable vital findings and without another intraabdominal injury.