The utility of stapler in distal pancreatectomy / 中华外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the influence of hand-sewn and stapler in distal pancreatectomy on the postoperative complication.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 109 patients after distal pancreatectomy from January 2003 to December 2006 were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The surgical techniques used for closure of the pancreatic stump after distal pancreatectomy were categorized into hand-sewn closure group (n = 53) and stapler closure group (n = 56). In stapler closure group, 25 patients accepted laparoscopic operation. The incidences of abdominal infection and pancreatic fistulae in stapler closure group were lower than hand-sewn closure group. The operation time, blood infusion, postoperative bleeding and medical costs were similar between two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Stapler closure in distal pancreatectomy could decrease the incidence of pancreatic fistula and abdominal infections.</p>