The effectiveness of Hemopatch™ in preventing postoperative distal pancreatectomy fistulas.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative fistula after distal pancreatectomy (DP) is still a significant complication, although many tools and tips have been utilized to try to reduce its elevated frequency. This paper focuses on the role of a sealing hemostatic device, Hemopatch™, to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after DP.

METHODS: Retrospectively we divided our sampling of 57 patients submitted to DP into two groups according to the availability of the device: 18 patients without Hemopatch™ and 39 patients using Hemopatch™.

RESULTS: Significant difference was observed in leak occurrence (p < 0.05). No significant association was observed between the number of blood transfusions, the frequency of postoperative complications, associated splenectomy and POPF.

CONCLUSION: This is a preliminary study and the first focused on the prevention of POPF after DP using Hemopatch™. Thanks to its double function of hemostasis and sealant, Hemopatch™ can be taken into consideration as an efficacy tool to prevent pancreatic POPF.