Distal pancreatectomy utilizing a flexible stapler closure eliminates the risk of pancreas-related factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the risk factors for clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy with a flexible cartridge stapler, TL60.

METHODS

Forty consecutive patients who underwent a distal pancreatectomy by the TL60 stapler were retrospectively reviewed in association with postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The overall morbidity rate was 43% (17 patients), and mortality was null. Pancreatic fistula was the most frequent postoperative complication, seen in 11 patients (27.5%): grade A in 4 (10%) and grade B in 7 (17.5%). No grade C pancreatic fistula was observed. Univariate analyses of risk factors demonstrated that pancreas-related factors, including diabetes mellitus, thickness and texture of the pancreatic parenchyma, transection line for the pancreas, pancreatic duct ligation, and use of artificial patches had no impact on the occurrence of pancreatic fistula. A multivariable logistic regression analysis identified operative time (≥ 300 min) as the only notable predictor of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (odds ratio = 3.253, 95% confidence interval 1.739-5.752; p = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

Distal pancreatectomy with the use of the TL60 stapler eliminated the risk of pancreas-related factors for the occurrence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula.