A 40 year-old man complained of indeterminate abdominal symptoms. Ultrasonography demonstrated a 2cm tumor in the pancreas. MRI documented that this tumor was solid (not a cyst) and was located between the neck and the body of the pancreas. A preoperative biopsy was not performed because its result would not change the treatment plan. The patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy. Pathology proved the diagnosis of a Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET), so the patient was cured.
The tumor of the pancreas and the pancreatic ductal dilatation because of the obstruction are shown.
Complete dissection of the pancreas from the portal vein. The tumor of the body of the pancreas can be seen.
Pancreas mobilization is now complete. Transection of the pancreas at the level of its head is to be performed.
Portal vein freed completely after distal pancreatectomy.