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Persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy: long-term octreotide treatment without pancreatectomy.

Eight patients with persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy who were treated with octreotide without pancreatectomy are described. All had severe, early-onset disease that would have required partial pancreatectomy had octreotide not been available. Along with octreotide, frequent feedings and raw cornstarch at night were required by all. Octreotide was given in three or four daily subcutaneous injections in four patients and in a continuous subcutaneous infusion with an insulin infusion pump in four. All had mild, transient gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, abdominal distention, steatorrhea) after the start of therapy. Asymptomatic gallstones were found in 1 patient after 1 year of treatment. No other long-term untoward effects were noted, including no detrimental effect on psychomotor development. Growth was not affected in five of six patients treated for more than 6 months. In five patients, octreotide was discontinued after 9 months to 5 1/2 years; patients were given diazoxide instead, two required percutaneous gastrostomy, and one 5 1/2-year-old child required no further treatment. The remaining three patients (aged 5 to 9 months) are still being treated with octreotide. We conclude that, with the use of octreotide, pancreatectomy can be avoided in some patients. Particularly in light of our findings of a high incidence of diabetes years after partial pancreatectomy, and clinical improvement after months to years of octreotide treatment, we believe that aggressive medical therapy, when effective, is preferable to partial pancreatectomy.

Diazoxide↗

Impaired pancreatic duct-cell growth in focal areas of regeneration after partial pancreatectomy in the adult Goto-Kakizaki rat, a spontaneous model of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

The Paris colony of adult Goto-Kakizaki (GK/Par) rat, a genetic model of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, is characterized by a restriction of the beta-cell mass and reduced beta-cell regeneration capacity. In order to have a better understanding of the impaired mechanism(s) leading to reduced beta-cell plasticity in the GK/Par rat, we have investigated duct-cell growth capacity following 90% pancreatectomy, a well-defined procedure leading in non-diabetic rats, to sequential duct proliferation and subsequent differentiation. To this aim, we have performed pancreatectomy in 8-10-week-old male normoglycaemic Wistar and diabetic GK rats. Duct-cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated at different time points: day 0 (D0), day 2 (D2), day 7 (D7) and day 14 (D14) after pancreatectomy. A transient wave of duct-cell proliferation was observed on D2 in both small and main ducts in the pancreatectomized Wistar rats. A similar increase occurred in the similarly treated GK rats, but to a higher extent as compared to the Wistar rats. Thereafter, duct-cell proliferation from main or small ducts returned to non-pancreatectomized values on D7 and remained at this level on D14 in both the Wistar and GK pancreatectomized groups. In the common pancreatic duct, the number of proliferative duct-cells was higher in GK rats compared to Wistar on D0. In both the operated Wistar and GK rats, duct-cell proliferation from the common pancreatic duct similarly decreased on D2. On D7 and D14, the same parameter returned to non-pancreatectomized values in the Wistar rats, while it was maintained lower in the GK rats as compared to the GK values on D0. In focal areas of regeneration, duct-cell proliferation was significantly lower in the pancreatectomized GK group compared to the age-related Wistar group on D7 (Wistar: 5.85+/-0.98%, GK: 3.02+/-0.69%; p < 0.01) and D14 (Wistar: 3.82+/-0.29%, GK: 2.62+/-0.27%; ns). Only a few apoptotic duct-cells were observed, with no difference between the Wistar and GK groups, and that whatever the time after pancreatectomy and the duct category. Together, these results suggest that in the adult hyperglycaemic GK/Par rat facing pancreatectomy, duct-cell proliferation and apoptosis from the common pancreatic duct, main ducts and small ducts were not impaired compared to the Wistar rat. However, reduced duct-cell proliferation capacity in focal areas of regeneration in the treated GK rats probably contributes to the lower beta-cell neogenesis potential previously observed in this model.

Animals↗

Value of splenic preservation during distal pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Pain relief after distal pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis is reportedly satisfactory in 50-80 per cent of patients. This study attempted to determine clinical and radiological features that might select patients likely to benefit from distal pancreatectomy, and whether splenic preservation influenced the outcome. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with chronic pancreatitis, who underwent distal pancreatectomy between 1982 and 1998, were reviewed retrospectively. The outcome of surgery was correlated with the aetiology of pancreatitis and radiological appearance on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and computed tomography. RESULTS: Good results were achieved in 23 of 36 patients for whom follow-up (median 48 months) was available, including all 11 with obstructive pancreatitis. The spleen was preserved in 22 patients. Twelve patients became diabetic after surgery: three of 20 in whom the spleen was preserved and nine of 16 who underwent splenectomy. CONCLUSION: Non-alcoholic patients with a normal pancreas proximal to a dominant ductal stricture had a consistently good outcome from surgery. Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, although technically demanding, can be performed safely with results equivalent to those of distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy or autotransplantation. Splenic preservation, apart from preventing postsplenectomy sepsis, might also delay the onset of diabetes.

Adult↗

Partial or near-total pancreatectomy for nesidioblastosis?

We report on 11 consecutive cases of nesidioblastosis successfully managed, in a 22-year period from 1972-1993 at The Children's Hospital, Birmingham, England. In the pre-operative period all patients were managed by constant glucose administration ( > 10 mg/kg/min) and hyperglycaemic agents such as diazoxide, glucagon, growth hormone and somatostatin either singly or in combination. Seven patients underwent partial pancreatectomy, 2 of whom needed a subsequent near-total resection; 4 others had a near-total pancreatectomy as the primary procedure. The 5 patients who have had partial pancreatectomies are healthy and on no regular medication. Of the 6 patients who had near-total pancreatectomy 3 require insulin for diabetes mellitus and 3 are on pancreatin for pancreatic exocrine deficiency. We recommend partial pancreatectomy as the first operation in the treatment of nesidioblastosis.

Child, Preschool↗

Medial pancreatectomy: a multi-institutional retrospective study of 53 patients by the French Pancreas Club.

BACKGROUND: The results of medial pancreatectomy have been previously reported anecdotally. The purpose of the study was to provide short- and long-term results of MP in a large multicenter collective series. METHODS: From 1990 to 1998, 53 patients (mean age +/- SD = 49 +/- 15 years) underwent medial pancreatectomy for primary cystic neoplasms of pancreas (n = 19), endocrine neoplasms (n = 17), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) (n = 6), fibrotic stenosis of the Wirsung's duct (n = 4), or other benign (n = 4) or malignant (n = 3) diseases. The proximal (right) pancreatic remnant was sutured (n = 53), and the distal (left) remnant was either anastomosed to a jejunal loop (n = 26), to the stomach (n = 25), or oversewn (n = 2). Medial pancreatectomy was indicated in 3 patients (6%) because of failed enucleation, in 3 (6%) to prevent worsening of preexisting diabetes, or to prevent de novo diabetes in a patient with chronic pancreatitis, and deliberately in the 47 others. RESULTS: The length of the resected pancreas was 5.0+/- 2.2 cm (range, 2-15). One patient (2%) died from a pancreatic fistula and portal thrombosis. Three patients were reoperated on because of complications related to the left pancreas, which was partially or totally resected. Pancreatic fistula developed in 16 patients (30%). Mean delay for the return of oral feeding was related to the presence of a pancreatic fistula. At follow-up (median = 26 months, range, 12-131), 1 pancreatic recurrence and 1 de novo diabetes occurred in patients without IPMN. In patients with IPMN, the rates of pancreatic recurrence and diabetes were 40% (2/5), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Medial pancreatectomy effectively preserves long-term endocrine function and is associated with a low risk of local recurrence, except in patients with IPMN. However, there is a high risk (30%) of PF after medial pancreatectomy.

Adolescent↗

Pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis.

Of one hundred and forty-nine patients (101 male and 48 female) 4-67 years of age, 117 were alcoholics and underwent pancreatectomy because of episodic or continuous abdominal pain or complications or chronic pancreatitis. Nineteen patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, seventy-seven 80-95% distal resection, anf fifty-three 40-80% distal pancreatic resection. There were 3 operative death and 30 late deaths 6 months to 11 years post pancreatectomy. Twenty-one patients were lost to followup, 1 to 11 years post pancreatectomy. Ninety-five patients are known to be alive, 4 of whom are institutionalized. Indications for pancreatectomy in addition to abdominal pain include recurrent or multiple pseudocysts, failure to relieve pain after decompression of a pseudocyst, pseudoaneurysm of the visceral arteries associated with a pseudocyst, recurrent attacks of pancreatitis unrelived by non-resective operations, duodenal stenosis and left side portal hypertension. The choice between pancreaticoduodenectomy or distal resection of 40-80% or 80-95% of the pancreas should be based on the principle site of inflammation whether proximal or distal in the gland, the size of the common bile duct, the ability to rule out carcinoma, and the anticipated deficits in exocrine and endocrine function. The risk of diabetes is very significant after 80-95% distal resection and of steatorrhea after pancreaticoduodenectomy. When the disease process can be encompassed by 40-80% distal pancreatectomy this is the procedure of choice.

Adolescent↗

Total or near total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation for treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

Total or near total pancreatectomy is the surest way to relieve the pain of chronic pancreatitis but is rarely applied because the metabolic consequences are so severe. For most patients drainage procedures are applicable, but pancreatectomy may be the only alternative for small duct disease or where procedures to improve duct drainage have failed. Preservation of endocrine function is a major problem in patients who require pancreatectomy. Experiments in pancreatectomized dogs have shown that intrasplenic or intraportal transplantation of unpurified pancreatic islet tissue dispersed by collagenase digestion can prevent diabetes. We have applied this technique to ten patients with chronic pancreatitis, small ducts, and intractable pain. The entire pancreas of > 95% of the pancrease was excised, minced, dispersed by collagenase digestion and infused into the portal vein < 2 1/2 hours after removal. Mean (+/- SD) rise in portal pressure was 17 +/- 8 cm of water. Liver function tests were altered minimally. All patients were relieved of pain. One patient died of a complication not related to the islet autotransplant; viable islets were identified in the liver at autopsy. Of the remaining nine patients, three have been insulin independent for 1, 9, and 38 months. One patient was insulin indpendent for 15 months and now takes 12 units of insulin daily. Three have nonketosis prone diabetes (tested by insulin withdrawal) and take 15--30 units of insulin per day. C-peptide studies in these patients show that functioning islets are present. Two patients are diabetic and require 35 and 60 units of insulin per day. In eight of nine patients tested serum insulin concentrations fell to undetectable levels during the interval between pancreatectomy and islet transplantation. Serum insulin levels during the first few hours after islet transplantation predicted success. In the insulin independent or in the patients with mild diabetes, insulin levels were persistently greater than or equal to 6 microU/ml. In the other two patients, the increase in insulin concentration was not sustained. Islet tissue preparation from a diseased pancreas is difficult. The surgeon and the patient must still be willing to accept diabetes for relief of pain when performing this operation. In some patients, however, islet autotransplantation can prevent or partially ameliorate diabetes after pancreatectomy, and preservation of endocrine function is worthwhile.

Adult↗

Tumor size is the primary prognosticator for pancreatic cancer after regional pancreatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the regional pancreatectomy as surgical therapy for ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and to evaluate potential prognostic factors. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Regional pancreatectomy was developed as a more adequate surgical procedure for pancreatic cancer in an attempt to improve the cure rate for this highly lethal disease. Few studies have evaluated large numbers of patients treated with this technique, and in recent years the emphasis has been on more limited surgery for pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head were treated by regional subtotal or total pancreatectomy. Clinical and pathologic parameters were reviewed and potential prognostic factors were compared statistically. The three patients who died within 30 days of the operation were excluded from the survival analysis. RESULTS: Primary tumor size was the strongest determinant of prognosis. The mean tumor size was 3.9 cm (range, 1-7 cm). Eighty-five percent of patients had peripancreatic soft tissue invasion microscopically, and 58% had regional lymph node metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated a 33% 5-year survival for patients with tumor 2.5 cm or less in diameter (n=12) and 12% for patients with larger tumors (n=39). No patient with a tumor larger than 5 cm survived more than 5 years. Mean tumor size was not significantly associated with lymph node metastases, but 5 of 12 patients (42%) with primary tumor < or =2.5 cm had lymph node metastases. Twenty-four percent of patients with negative lymph nodes and 14% with positive lymph nodes survived 5 years. The difference was not statistically significant (p=0.3), but this is likely related to sample size. The 30- day operative mortality was 5.3%. The most common complications were infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, and gastric stasis. CONCLUSIONS: After regional pancreatectomy, tumor size is the strongest predictor of prognosis. A multi- institutional randomized prospective trial of regional pancreatectomy versus pancreaticoduodenectomy is warranted in previously untreated, noninfected cases.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Laparoscopic distal 70% pancreatectomy and splenectomy for chronic pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: The authors performed an initial clinical evaluation of laparoscopic pancreatectomy with splenectomy for chronic pancreatitis. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Severe intractable pain is the most common indication for resection in chronic pancreatitis. Localized accentuation of the pathology, usually in the head of the organ, is the basis for localized proximal resection, often with preservation of a rim of pancreas and the duodenum, although some favor total pancreatectomy. The reported results for distal pancreatectomy have been variable. Distal resections are limited to those patients in whom the gross pathology is maximal in the left hemipancreas. METHODS: A consecutive series of five patients with intractable pain due to chronic pancreatitis have been treated with laparoscopic 70% distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy using a 5-port technique. RESULTS: The procedure was completed in all with an average operating time of 4.5 hours and a mean intraoperative blood loss of 400 mL. There was one minor pancreatic leak, which resolved spontaneously. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis is feasible, the procedure appears to be safe, and it is accompanied by an accelerated recovery.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic donor distal pancreatectomy for living donor pancreas and pancreas-kidney transplantation.

With the proliferation and expanding applications of laparoscopic techniques, we determined the applicability of the laparoscopic approach to living pancreas donation. We performed the first laparoscopic donor distal pancreatectomy in 1999. We herein present our initial experience with five hand-assisted laparoscopic donor pancreatectomies. Three donors underwent distal pancreatectomy alone; two underwent a simultaneous left nephrectomy. The mean donor age was 48.4+/-8.7 years with a body mass index of 23.7 kg/m2. The donor and recipient survival rate was 100% at up to 3 years of follow-up. There were no episodes of pancreatitis, leaks, or pseudocysts. All donors returned to their preoperative state of health and to work. None of the donors have required oral anti-diabetic medications or insulin. We conclude that laparoscopic donor distal pancreatectomy is a safe and efficient procedure; hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy appears to be preferable, because of the added margin of safety from increased tactile feedback and ease of pancreatic dissection. The procedure can be accomplished with a single 6-cm periumbilical incision and only two 12-mm ports, resulting in excellent cosmesis and high donor satisfaction.

Humans↗

Prior streptozotocin treatment does not inhibit pancreas regeneration after 90% pancreatectomy in rats.

The effects of residual beta-cell mass and glycemia on regeneration of endocrine pancreas after 90% pancreatectomy were investigated. Streptozotocin or buffer alone was injected into 4-wk-old male Lewis rats (day 0). On day 7, varying numbers of syngeneic islets were transplanted under the kidney capsule to achieve varying degrees of glucose normalization. On day 14, a 90% pancreatectomy or sham pancreatectomy was performed. On day 19, rats were killed and the pancreas was fixed for quantitative morphometric determination of beta-cell mass. Focal areas of regenerating pancreas were observed in all animals that underwent partial pancreatectomy. The percentage of remnant pancreas classified as foci was unaffected by streptozotocin treatment or by plasma glucose. Moderate to severe hyperglycemia did not promote regeneration of the pancreatic beta-cell mass; rather the total endocrine cell mass was inversely related to the plasma glucose level (r = -0.5, P < 0.01). These data suggest that the precursor population for both endocrine and exocrine tissue is not susceptible to damage by streptozotocin and that local effects of residual beta-cell mass are not important to regeneration after a 90% pancreatectomy.

Animals↗

Extended pancreatectomy and liver perfusion chemotherapy for resectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

In order to increase the long-term survival after resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, it is essential to eradicate both locoregional recurrence and hepatic metastasis. We have added a wide range of lymphatic and connective tissue clearance to conventional pancreatectomy (extended pancreatectomy) and succeeded in improving the 5-year survival rate from 8 to 25% via decreasing the incidence of local failure. Among many procedures which together compose an extended pancreatectomy, connective tissue clearance seems to have played a more important role on patients' prognosis rather than wide range lymphadenectomy. Concomitant resection of the portal vein is recommended for selected patients, and it is important not to overlook a minute invasion even though it appears macroscopically intact. With regard to adjuvant therapy in combination with our extended pancreatectomy, the addition of preoperative irradiation failed to further improve the long-term survival rate because the cause of cancer deaths shifted from local recurrence to hepatic metastasis. When liver perfusion chemotherapy was added to this operation (without radiation), the 5-year survival rate was improved to 39% by decreasing the incidence of hepatic metastasis. In the future, a combination of extended pancreatectomy with chemoradiation plus liver perfusion chemotherapy is one of the promising approaches for this cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

The risks of total pancreatectomy and splenic islet autotransplantation.

The intraportal site is the most common site for islet transplantation. Many other sites have been tried experimentally, including the spleen, which has successfully lead to insulin independence in a number of animal models. Nevertheless, there are no detailed reports of total pancreatectomy and splenic islet autotransplantation in humans. Five patients underwent total pancreatectomy and splenic islet autotransplantation for chronic pancreatitis. Four patients had a pylorus-preserving total pancreatectomy and one patient a duodenal-preserving pancreatectomy. In three cases islets were embolized into both the portal vein and spleen. Two patients received splenic islet transplants alone. Islets were transplanted by retrograde venous infusion via the short gastric veins (n = 3), splenic vein stump (n = 1), and the left gastroepiploic vein (n = 1). The total volumes of transplanted pancreatic digest in those receiving combined intraportal and splenic autografts (n = 3) were 15.8, 13.0, and 13.5 ml. The volumes in those receiving a splenic-alone autograft (n = 2) were 12.0 and 5 ml. The mean rise in portal pressure was 18 cm of water. Complications related to the splenic autograft included a wedge splenic infarct, an emergency splenectomy, and a portal vein thrombosis in one patient having a combined intraportal and splenic autograft. Two patients developed insulin independence. two patients were still insulin independent at 1-year follow-up, and all had normal HbA1c levels (mean 5.6, range 5.2-6.3). Splenic islet autotransplantation, after total pancreatectomy, does lead to insulin independence. However, in our experience the combined procedure has a high morbidity because of splenic infarction and venous thrombosis.

Adult↗

Induction and involvement of endogenous IGF-I in pancreas regeneration after partial pancreatectomy in the dog.

To elucidate whether and how IGF-I is involved in the regeneration of the pancreas after partial pancreatectomy, IGF-I mRNA expression, IGF-I protein synthesis, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and DNA replication in the remnant pancreas were determined in the dog. After pancreatectomy, IGF-I mRNA expression was remarkably enhanced in the remnant pancreas, showing the maximal value at post-operative day (POD) 1. Subsequently, IGF-I synthesis in the tissue was significantly stimulated at POD 2, and its maximal concentration was observed at POD 3. Following IGF-I synthesis, ODC activity was induced and its maximal activity was also obtained at POD 3. Finally, DNA replication was induced in the remnant pancreas, and its maximal level was observed at POD 5. These responses in the remnant pancreatic tissue to partial pancreatectomy were greatly enhanced as the resection rate was increased up to 95%. Positive correlations were observed between IGF-I concentrations in the remnant pancreas and the activities of ODC and DNA synthesis in the tissue after 95% pancreatectomy. These results suggest that the gene expression of IGF-I is rapidly induced in the remnant pancreas after partial pancreatectomy, and subsequently synthesized endogenous IGF-I peptides may stimulate ODC and other cell growth-related activities in the tissue in paracrine and/or autocrine manners eventually to induce DNA replication and tissue regeneration.

Animals↗

Effect of partial pancreatectomy on diabetic status in BALB/c mice.

Pancreatic regeneration after pancreatectomy has been well documented in animal models. However, the phenomenon of pancreatic regeneration in diabetes has not been exploited as yet. We report here the restoration of euglycaemic status in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic BALB/c mice, after 50% pancreatectomy. We observed that, after pancreatectomy, STZ-diabetic mice showed a rapid improvement in glycaemic status, starting from the 8th postoperative day, and remained normoglycaemic throughout a 90-day follow-up study. STZ-induced diabetic and control non-diabetic BALB/c mice underwent pancreatectomy and were monitored regularly for changes in body weight, plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations and histological status of the pancreas. All the pancreatectomised animals showed euglycaemic status from about 20 days after operation, whereas a majority (around 70%) of the diabetic, sham-operated animals died of sustained hyperglycaemia by 20-30 days after operation. Examination of the regenerating pancreas indicated nesidioblastotic activity and supported the theory of a ductal origin of islet stem cells. Islets isolated from the regenerating pancreas showed a progressive increase in islet area (1227.9+/-173.2 micrometer(2) on day 5 compared with 2473.8+/-242.0 micrometer(2) by day 20). The increment in insulin concentrations and subsequent decrement in glycaemia of the diabetic pancreatectomised animals indicate islet neogenesis occurring after the operative insult, leading to a normoglycaemic status, probably recapitulating ontogeny. We have shown that induction of a regenerative stimulus (pancreatectomy) in conditions of STZ-induced diabetes may trigger pancreatic regenerative processes, thereby restoring a functional pancreas, in STZ-diabetic mice.

Animals↗

Mechanisms of impaired fasting glucose and glucose intolerance induced by an approximate 50% pancreatectomy.

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) often coexist and as such represent a potent risk factor for subsequent development of type 2 diabetes. beta-Cell mass is approximately 50% deficient in IFG and approximately 65% deficient in type 2 diabetes. To establish the effect of a approximately 50% deficit in beta-cell mass on carbohydrate metabolism, we performed a approximately 50% partial pancreatectomy versus sham surgery in 14 dogs. Insulin secretion was quantified from insulin concentrations measured in the portal vein at 1-min sampling intervals under basal conditions, after a 30-g oral glucose, and during a hyperglycemic clamp. Insulin sensitivity was measured by a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp combined with isotope dilution. Partial pancreatectomy resulted in IFG and IGT. After partial pancreatectomy both basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion were decreased through the mechanism of a selective approximately 50 and approximately 80% deficit in insulin pulse mass, respectively (P < 0.05). These defects in insulin secretion were partially offset by decreased hepatic insulin clearance (P < 0.05). Partial pancreatectomy also caused a approximately 40% decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose disposal (P < 0.05), insulin sensitivity after partial pancreatectomy being related to insulin pulse amplitude (r = 0.9, P < 0.01). We conclude that a approximately 50% deficit in beta-cell mass can recapitulate the alterations in glucose-mediated insulin secretion and insulin action in humans with IFG and IGT. These data support a mechanistic role of a deficit in beta-cell mass in the evolution of IFG/IGT and subsequently type 2 diabetes.

Animals↗

Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy without division of splenic artery and vein as a procedure for benign distal pancreatic lesion.

BACKGROUND: To assess the safety and the clinical outcome of distal pancreatectomy, with preservation of the spleen as well as splenic artery and vein, for benign distal pancreatic lesions. METHODS: Five consecutive patients with benign distal pancreatic lesions (3 with insulinoma, 1 with non-functioning islet cell tumor and 1 with serous cystadenoma) underwent spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein. Prograde distal pancreatectomy was performed for 4 patients and retrograde pancreatectomy for the other. The operative time, blood loss due to surgery, length of post-operative hospitalization and post-operative complications were analyzed and evaluated. RESULTS: Surgery was successful for all 5 patients. Whilst 2 of the patients revealed major medical disease, no post-surgical complications were experienced by any of the 5 patients. The mean operative time, extent of blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were, respectively, 238 minutes (range 175-270), 170 ml (range 50-300), and 8.4 days (range 6 - 15). CONCLUSION: From our experience, spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy can be safely performed with the conservation of the splenic artery and vein. Our result revealed that this well-known procedure can be improved in terms of blood loss, surgical duration and length of hospital stay. We believe that this procedure should be performed for benign lesions of the distal pancreas whenever indicated and possible.

Adolescent↗

The peculiar processing of glucagon and glucagon-related peptides in patients after pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although, glucagon has been detected even in the serum of totally pancreatectomized patients and the origin was suggested to be the intestine, the kinetics of glucagon is not well known after pancreatectomy. In this study, we investigated the kinetics of glucagon and glucagon-related peptides and discuss the glucagon processes in the pancreas and intestine in pancreatectomy patients. METHODOLOGY: Seven patients who had undergone pancreatoduodenectomy reconstruction using Child's procedures (distal pancreatojejunostomy, choledochojejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy) (group PD) and five patients who had undergone distal pancreatectomy (group DP) served as the subjects of this study. In addition to these two groups, five patients who had undergone gastrectomy reconstructions using the Billroth II procedure (group GX), to examine whether the alimentary tract reconstructions themselves would have any effect on the kinetics of glucagon, and 10 normal subjects (group C) were also enrolled in this study. All patients received a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test in the early morning fasting state. Serum glucagon levels were assessed using the glucagon non-specific N-terminal (glucagon-like immunoreactivity: GLI) and specific C-terminal (immunoreactive glucagon: IRG) radioimmunoassays. The molecular forms of these glucagon-related peptides were also estimated using the gel filtration chromatography method before and after the 75-g oral glucose load. RESULTS: After the glucose load, serum GLIs were increased significantly in groups GX and PD suggesting that these were affected by the alimentary tract reconstructions. Serum IRGs including true pancreatic glucagon were slightly increased in groups PD and DP after oral glucose load suggesting that these paradoxical responses might be associated with the glucose tolerance deficiencies observed in both groups, but not associated with the alimentary tract reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The paradoxical rise of IRGs based on the findings of gel filtration chromatography were possibly due to the generated peculiar glicentin-like peptide and pancreatic glucagon from the glucagon precursor, preproglucagon, after pancreatectomy, which is processed in association with the glucose tolerance deficiencies after pancreatectomy.

Aged↗