Novel Arterial Reconstruction of the Left Gastric Artery Supplying the Replaced Left Hepatic Artery in Distal Pancreatectomy with Celiac Axis Resection.

[BACKGROUND] Distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) with reconstruction of the left gastric artery (LGA) is a technically challenging procedure. The middle colic artery is commonly used for LGA reconstruction. This study highlights our novel arterial reconstruction of the LGA using the common hepatic artery (CHA) supplying the replaced left hepatic artery (rLHA) during DP-CAR.

[PATIENT AND METHODS] A 65-year-old man diagnosed with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic body cancer underwent DP-CAR following systemic chemotherapy. As a rLHA arising from the LGA was present, arterial reconstruction was necessary.

[RESULTS] After confirming resectability, the CHA and LGA were encircled. Following division of the pancreas and radical lymphadenectomy, the origin of the celiac axis (CA) was divided. Subsequently, the CHA and LGA were transected and anastomosed. An indocyanine green fluorescence system was used to confirm adequate arterial blood supply and satisfactory tissue perfusion. Operative time was 215 min, with an estimated blood loss of 35 mL.

[CONCLUSIONS] This study demonstrated a novel arterial reconstruction of the LGA supplying the rLHA during DP-CAR. The CHA may be a candidate for the reconstruction of the LGA in DP-CAR.