Comparison of Outcomes with Hand-sewn Versus Stapler Closure of Pancreatic Stump in Distal Pancreatectomy.

AIM: The optimal method for pancreatic stump closure to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP), remains controversial though DP is still the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer and other malignancies located on pancreatic body or tail.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 44 patients who consecutively underwent open DP were retrospectively analyzed, dividing them into two groups: group H (hand-sewn; n=24) and group S (stapler closure; n=20).

RESULTS: POPFs were encountered in 5 (21%) and 11 (55%) patients in groups H and S, respectively (p=0.02). POPFs of Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa or above were observed in two (8%) and seven (35%) patients in groups H and S, respectively (p=0.03).

CONCLUSION: When indicating stapler closure, caution should be exercised for pancreatic consistency and thickness, device and cartridge type, and pancreatic duct ligation to more effectively control POPF rates.