Oncologic Safety and Lymphadenectomy in Parenchyma-Sparing Resection for SPN

Parenchyma-Sparing Resection for Pancreatic Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm: Oncologic Safety and Role of Lymphadenectomy in a Prospective Cohort Study

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a low-grade malignant tumor primarily treated with surgical resection. However, the oncologic safety of parenchyma-sparing resection (PSR) and the necessity of lymphadenectomy remain debated. This prospective cohort study evaluates these aspects based on long-term outcomes.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare pancreatic tumor, accounting for approximately 1-3% of all pancreatic neoplasms, and predominantly affects young women . Although historically classified as a borderline lesion, SPN is currently regarded as a low-grade malignant neoplasm with an excellent long-term prognosis, with complete surgical resection achieving cure in 85-95% of patients. Even in the presence of recurrence or limited distant metastasis, aggressive surgical management can still result in prolonged survival. Given this indolent biological behavior and long life expectancy, the primary surgical challenge in SPN has gradually shifted from achieving oncologic radicality alone to balancing oncologic safety with long-term functional preservation.

Parenchyma-sparing resection (PSR) has therefore gained increasing attention in the management of SPN. By preserving pancreatic parenchyma and avoiding complex gastrointestinal reconstruction, PSR has the potential to reduce surgical trauma and preserve long-term endocrine and exocrine function. However, concerns persist regarding its oncologic adequacy, particularly the risk of positive resection margins, limited lymph node assessment, and postoperative morbidity. Current evidence supporting PSR in SPN remains largely derived from small retrospective series, and robust data addressing long-term oncologic outcomes and functional consequences are lacking.

Owing to the rarity and low malignant potential of SPN, prospective randomized trials comparing PSR with conventional oncologic resection (OR) are unlikely to be feasible. Consequently, optimal surgical strategy for SPN remains controversial. Using a large, prospectively maintained database, this study aimed to compare PSR and OR with respect to long-term oncologic outcomes, perioperative safety, and postoperative functional preservation. In addition, given the extremely low incidence of lymph node metastasis in SPN, we sought to further evaluate the necessity of routine lymph node dissection from a long-term outcome perspective.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age between 18 and 75 years, regardless of gender;
2. patients with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas;
3. patients with an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1;
4. successfully received sugary (open or laparoscopic or robotic)

Exclusion Criteria:

(1) Pediatric patients with SPN under 14 years of age, or elderly patients over 80 years of age; (2) Reoperative resection for recurrent or metastatic SPN; (3) presence of distant metastasis or concomitant malignant tumors before surgery; and (4) loss to follow-up within 90 days after surgery.