Fig. 3

The suprapancreatic lymphadenectomy and the pancreatic neck transection. A En bloc lymphadenectomy with skeletonization of the celiac axis (g), common hepatic artery (h), left gastric artery, and splenic artery (i) is performed. B The pancreatic neck is encircled and taped. C The pancreatic neck is laparoscopically transected using a linear stapling device. D In the case of a tumor close to the neck, a 4-cm minilaparotomy is created immediately above the pancreatic neck for frozen pathologic examination of the stump and quick hemostasis. (* a sliced tissue sample of the stump)