Safe and quick distal pancreatectomy using a staggered six-row stapler

Background The use of stapling devices for distal pancreatectomy remains controversial, due to concerns about the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and hemorrhage. Methods We report herein the usefulness of the Endo SGIA stapler (Tyco Healthcare, Norwalk, CT) for distal pancreatectomy by placing 2 triple-staggered rows, ie, 6 rows of staples in the pancreatic stump. The pancreas was divided together with both the splenic artery and vein with Endo SGIA in 7 consecutive hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies. Results No patients developed clinically significant POPF or postoperative hemorrhage. None of the patients had complications that may have influenced the length of hospital stay. Conclusion The 6-row Endo SGIA stapler allows quick and effective prevention of POPF after distal pancreatectomy.