Slow parenchymal flattening technique for distal pancreatectomy using an endopath stapler: simple and safe technical management.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The appropriate closure of the pancreatic remnant after a distal pancreatectomy remains controversial. To describe a safer and simple distal pancreatectomy using an endopath stapler, with special emphasis on the slow parenchymal flattening technique. METHODOLOGY: The slow parenchymal flattening technique (SFT) for a distal pancreatectomy using an endopath stapler (Echelon 60) was applied to avoid a destruction of pancreas capsule and parenchyma for a soft friable pancreas. In this technique, the pancreas was gently compressed with an atraumatic intestinal clamp for a few minutes prior to the stapling dissection. Then, the closure jaw of endopath stapler was closed carefully and slowly taking more than 5 minutes at the fixed speed before dissection. RESULTS: SFT using the Echelon 60 was performed for 22 consecutive patients who required a distal pancreatectomy. Only one patient (4.5%) developed a symptomatic pancreatic fistula (ISGPF classification grade B). There were no mortalities or severe pancreatic fistula (ISGPF classification grade C) in this series. CONCLUSIONS: The SFT using the Echelon 60 can be performed easily, which enables surgeons to achieve confident pancreas stump without any tissue injury.