Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy of an acinar cell carcinoma

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is relatively rare, accounting for only approximately 1% of all exocrine pancreatic tumors. Because ACC of the pancreas is rare, strategy for management needs to be explored. The patient was a 50-year-old man who presented with left upper quadrant pain over 6 months. A mass lesion, located at the pancreatic tail, measuring approximately 4 cm in diameter was found on ultrasound, abdominal dynamic CT. The patient underwent a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Immunohistochemical stains and electron microscopic examination of the tumor was consistent with ACC. No complication occurred, and the patient was discharged in good condition on 10th postoperative day. During the 10 months of follow-up, CT and tumor markers revealed no recurrence. In conclusions, Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy can be performed safely for selected patients with nonmetastatic ACC at a favorable anatomic position. This operative strategy offers a minimally invasive surgery with the aim of a potential cure.