Locally advanced cancer of the pancreatic body is still associated with a low resectability and dismal prognosis. The main reason for unresectability is the invasion of major vessels; common hepatic artery (CHA) and celiac axis (CA). Resection of the involved arteries can increase respectability and thus might improve prognosis and quality of life (excellent pain control) in such patients.

A 49-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of persistant epigastric and back pain, as well as weight loss. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a tumor, 4 cm in diameter, in the body of the pancreas with encasement of the CA and CHA.

An en bloc subtotal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and resection of the CA was performed. The stomach was preserved. Surgical margins were free of tumor. Intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography measurement of the hepatic arterial flow was obtained before and after clamping of the CA. No significant change in the color and tension of the liver was observed. No re-arterialization of the liver was performed.

The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on postoperative day 12. 23 months after the operation, the patient is free from epigastric and back pain, without evidence of tumoral recurrence.