Figure 39.1
Entering the lesser sac
Figure 39.2
Taking down the short gastric vessels
Figure 39.3
Exposing the anterior pancreas
Figure 39.4
The pancreas in situ
Figure 39.5
Mobilizing the inferior pancreas near the spleen
Figure 39.6
Stapling across the pancreas
Figure 39.7
The transected pancreas
Figure 39.8
Identification of the splenic artery
Figure 39.9
Portosplenic confluence exposed
Figure 39.10
Dividing the splenic vein
Figure 39.11
The final specimen in the specimen bag
Figure 39.12
The specimen being removed
Postoperative Care
The complication rate following distal pancreatectomy is approximately 30 %. The most common complications encountered are pancreatic leak or fistula (5–29 %) [8, 9], new-onset insulin-dependent diabetes (9 %) [9], intraabdominal abscess (4 %), small bowel obstruction (4 %), and postoperative hemorrhage (4 %) [8]. Postoperative care is targeted to avoid or minimize these complications.