To investigate the feasibility and safety of anterior and posterior approaches for distal pancreatectomy with spleen and the splenic vessels preserved.

Twelve patients of benign diseases of distal pancreas admitted in Taizhou People's Hospital from July 2008 to March 2013 were given anterior and posterior distal pancreatectomy with spleen and the splenic vessels preserved.

All patients underwent the operation successfully. The mean operation time was (230±50) minutes. The blood loss was 240-360 ml with a mean of (300±60) ml. No patients needed blood transfusion during the operation. The mean length of post-operative hospital stay was (12±2) days. One patient developed pancreatic fistula and was cured with non-operative management; there was no other complications. All patients were followed up for 6 to 30 months, and there was no death.

On the basis of mastering the anatomy of splenic artery and vein, anterior and posterior approaches are safe and convenient in performing distal pancreatectomy with spleen and the splenic vessels preserved.