Introduction : The applicability of the laparoscopic approach for central pancreatectomy (CP) is very high related to the absence of oncological or vascular contraindications. The aim of this study was to analyze our monocentric experience.

Methods : Between 2008-2018, 540 laparoscopic pancreatic resections were performed and 81 patients underwent laparoscopic CP. The pancreas was divided on the neck by stapler when possible, the distal pancreas was mobilized and sectioned 1 cm to the left of the tumor with frozen section when indicated. One layer Pancreato-gastric anastomosis was fashioned. All clinical, operative and postoperative data were recorded prospectively and were analyzed.

Results : The mean age was 50 (17-77), including 55 female (68%), with a mean BMI at 25 (16-36). Indications for resection were for neuroendocrine tumor (24; 30%), IPMN (16; 20%), solid pseudopapillary tumor (12; 15%), mucinous cystadenoma (11; 14%), pancreatitis with disconnected duct syndrome (5; 6%), and other (13; 15%). The mean operative time was 183 (90-285), the mean blood loss 107 (0-800), one transfusion (1%), and one conversion (1%). No 90 days mortality and the overall morbidity was observed in 58 patients (72%) including mainly grade B/C pancreatic fistula (21; 26%), bleeding (10; 12%), and re-intervention (5; 6%). the mean hospital stay was 22 days (5-54) with readmission in 2 (2%). Resection was R0 in 71 (88%) patients.

Conclusions : The applicability of laparoscopic central pancreatectomy is high and the morbidity is acceptable. There is a real advantage on the preservation of the pancreatic function and abdominal wall in these young patients with no malignancy.