Laparoscopic enucleation of a neuroendocrine tumor on the posterior aspect of the pancreas: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction. Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas are rare neoplasms. They are divided into two groups: functional and non-functional. Non-functional tumors represent a diagnostic challenge, given that they often remain asymptomatic and are diagnosed as an incidental finding. Case outline. We present a patient in whom the tumor was discovered at the junction of the body and the tail of the pancreas, on the dorsal side. The patient had no specific symptomatology, there was no loss in body weight. Considering the diagnostic procedures conducted and the condition of the patient, we decided to perform laparoscopic enucleation. The procedure was carried out in a safe and efficient manner, so that operative and postoperative recovery was uneventful. The definitive histopathological examination confirmed the finding of a non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Conclusion. Laparoscopic enucleation is an effective and safe treatment modality for neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas with well-known advantages, as compared to open surgery, but there is always a tendency to improve the already existing results and thus to contribute, not only to treatment, but to the greater comfort of the patient.

Keywords

• pancreas
• neuroendocrine tumor
• laparoscopy
• laparoscopic enucleation