Pancreaticojejunostomy with closure of the pancreatic stump by endoscopic linear stapler in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: A reliable technique and benefits for pancreatic resection

Abstract

We introduce a technique for pancreaticojejunostomy with closure of the pancreatic stump by endoscopic linear stapler as a reliable intervention with benefits for pancreatic resection in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (Lap-PD). Following laparoscopic resection, we perform pancreaticojejunostomy under direct visualization. We employ the same method as in open surgery and enter via a 4-5-cm incision, the minimum size feasible for easy removal of resected material from the body, positioned directly above the stump of the distal pancreas. In January 2011, we began using endoscopic linear stapler when cutting the pancreas during Lap-PD in order to reduce the leakage of pancreatic juice, which may contain tumor cells from the neoplastic lesion. Since then, we have used this procedure in 12 subjects undergoing Lap-PD and 5 subjects undergoing laparoscopic central pancreatectomy. We have observed postoperative complication in only one of the laparoscopic central pancreatectomy cases, involving grade B/C pancreatic fistula, and in none of the Lap-PD cases. Our pancreaticojejunostomy with closure of the pancreatic stump by endoscopic linear stapler is a feasible procedure in Lap-PD and has produced positive results over a short time frame.