Effect of vessel preservation on splenic volume and function in patients with spleen preserving distal pancreatectomies

Abstract Background Spleen preservation during distal pancreatectomy (SpDP) can be accomplished by a variety of surgical approaches, but the impact on spleen function is unknown. This study aimed to compare spleen volume, function and complications between patients who underwent vessel sparing (VSDP) vs. vessel ligating (Warshaw, WDP) SpDP. Methods All patients who underwent SpDP at the Toronto General Hospital from 2006 to 2015 were included. Primary outcomes were pre- and post-operative spleen volumes and contrast enhancement on CT, hematologic parameters, and spleen-related complications. Results 82 patients underwent SpDP with median follow up of 20.4 months. Splenic volumes were able to be calculated on 44 patients (VSDP n = 8, WDP n = 36). There was no difference between WDP and VSDP in operative duration, blood loss, hospital length of stay, or Clavien-Dindo ≥3 complication rate. Spleen volumes did not differ from baseline in either group. On postoperative imaging more WDP patients had areas of splenic hypoperfusion (p = 0.032). These differences resolved by 3 months after surgery, there were no instances of long term infectious or bleeding complications related to poor splenic function or gastric varices. Conclusion Both WDP and VSDP achieve splenic preservation. Neither technique resulted in clinically apparent spleen related complications. There is no difference in splenic volume and function in the short/long term.