Objective: To determine the influence of hand-sewn and stapler in distal pancreatectomy on the postoperative complication.
Methods: Clinical data of 109 patients after distal pancreatectomy from January 2003 to December 2006 were analyzed retrospectively.
Results: The surgical techniques used for closure of the pancreatic stump after distal pancreatectomy were categorized into hand-sewn closure group (n = 53) and stapler closure group (n = 56). In stapler closure group, 25 patients accepted laparoscopic operation. The incidences of abdominal infection and pancreatic fistulae in stapler closure group were lower than hand-sewn closure group. The operation time, blood infusion, postoperative bleeding and medical costs were similar between two groups.
Conclusion: Stapler closure in distal pancreatectomy could decrease the incidence of pancreatic fistula and abdominal infections.