I had the distal panc/splenectomy. Dr Kendrick did an amazing job laparoscopically and had veins to reconstruct. Unfortunately, I had pancreatic leak with the small remaining piece of pancreas and developed fluid pockets and an abscess. I was in the hospital for a month and out of work for three months recovering and dealing with drains, infections etc. a friend of mine just had the same only with open surgery and her recovery has been very difficult as well. Much more so with an open wound from chest to belly button. If you can get it done laparoscopically, it’s an easier recovery from a wound healing perspective. Keep in mind that you may also have diabetes after surgery depending on how much pancreas is taken. That’s a challenge to manage at the beginning as well.