AIM:To evaluate the safety and long-term prognosis of conservative resection (CR) for benign or borderline tumor of the proximal pancreas.METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed 20 patients who underwent CR at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine between April 2000 and October 2008.For pancreaticojejunostomy,a modified invagination method,continuous circular invaginated pancreaticojejunostomy (CCI-PJ) was used.Modified continuous closed lavage (MCCL) was performed for patients with pancreatic fistula.RESULTS:The indications were:serous cystadenomas in eight patients,insulinomas in six,non-functional islet cell tumors in three and solid pseudopapillary tumors in three.Perioperative mortality was zero and morbidity was 25%.Overall,pancreatic fistula was present in 25% of patients.At a mean follow up of 42.7 mo,all patients were alive with no recurrence and no new-onset diabetes mellitus or exocrine dysfunction.CONCLUSION:CR is a safe and effective procedure for patients with benign tumors in the proximal pancreas,with careful CCI-PJ and postoperative MCCL.