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.