Introduction and aims Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas (CNPs) are diverse lesions that are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Even though they are rare, the frequency of their diagnosis has increased with the advances made in imaging techniques. The identification and adequate characterization of these lesions is essential for determining the need for surgical intervention and individual patient follow-up. The primary aim of the present study was to describe the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of the CNPs resected over a 22-year period at a Mexican referral center, along with their postoperative results. Material and methods A retrospective, observational study was conducted on 139 patients who underwent surgical resection within the time frame of January 2000 and December 2022. The clinical and histopathologic characteristics and 30-day postoperative outcomes were described, comparing them, based on histologic subtypes and the surgical techniques employed. Results Most of the CNPs were solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) (35.3%), followed by mucinous cystadenoma (32.4%), and serous cystadenoma (16.5%). The postoperative complication rate was 39.6%, and was higher in patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy, compared with the rest of the techniques (53.5 vs 33.3%, p = 0.038). There were no differences between histologic subtypes. Conclusions Precise classification of CNPs is crucial for adequate management. The higher frequency of diagnosis appears to be due to improved imaging techniques, enabling the timely identification of pancreatic cystic lesions with malignant potential, such as CNPs, and the possibility of providing early surgical treatment with curative potential.
Canto-Losa et al. (Fri,) studied this question.