Stump Closure Techniques Research Articles

Open distal pancreatectomy stump closure by linear stapling versus continuous suturing: a retrospective–prospective comparative study

Background Distal pancreatectomy (DP), performed for removing pancreatic lesions located to the left of the superior mesenteric vein, accounts for ~25% of all pancreatic resections. Most recently reported overall mortality rate of DP is less than 3%. However, albeit technically simpler to perform than pancreaticoduodenectomy, morbidity rate of DP remains substantial. Postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs), which may result in numerous clinically significant and potentially life-threatening complications such as intraabdominal abscess, hemorrhage, and surgical site infection, is the leading cause of morbidity after DP, with an incidence of ~30–60%. Risk factors associated with POPFs after DP include decreased serum albumin levels, concurrent splenectomy, increased body weight, increased duration of surgery, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and impaired renal function. Furthermore, POPFs often translate to significant increases in hospitalization costs. Objective To compare the technique of DP stump closure in two groups of patients; a group underwent stump closure with linear stapling technique and the other group underwent stump closure with continuous suturing technique. Patients and methods This was a retrospective–prospective clinical trial that was conducted at General Surgery Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals on 30 patients who were admitted to specialized hepatobiliary units in Cairo, Egypt for open DP. Between January 2020 and June 2022 with postoperative follow-up period of 2 months. In our study, there were 30 patients (15 in the continuous suturing technique group and 15 in the linear stapling technique group) with a mean age of 45.37±10.662 years. Groups were similar in demographic and clinical characteristics (P>0.05). Results In our study, 13.33% patients in continuous suturing technique group developed clinically relevant POPF (grade B and grade C POPF), whereas 33.33% patients in stapling technique group develop POPF (P=1.00). The amount of the blood loss which was found to be statistically significant as the P value was found less than 0.05 and the t test was found to be −2.396 which mean that the amount of the blood lost was more in the stapler group. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of clinically relevant POPF (grade B and grade C POPF) with suture closure compared with stapler closure (13.33 vs. 33.33%). There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of intraabdominal abscess. There were three (20%) patients with a biochemical leak in continuous suturing technique group. In stapling technique group, three (20%) patients developed biochemical leaks. There was no significant in difference between groups in terms of biochemical leak. In our study, mortality rates did not differ between stapler and suture closure techniques. Conclusion Our study showed no significant difference between suture and stapler closure of DP stump with respect to POPF or intraabdominal collection after DP. The amount of the blood lost was more in the stapler group.

Hepatic Duct Division During Robotic Living Donor Hepatectomy: A Comparison Between the Novel Triple C (Clip-Clamp-Cut) and the Cut-Suture Techniques.

Background: In robotic donor hepatectomy (RDH), hepatic duct division (HDD) and its stump closure technique are of paramount importance in avoiding postoperative biliary complications in both donors and recipients. We describe our novel triple C ("clip-clamp-cut") technique of HDD. Methods: Out of 4016 living donor liver transplant (LDLT) (2004-October 2023), we have performed 208 RDH cases since December 2019. This study is a retrospective analysis of the first 160 RDH cases. After excluding the first 20 RDH cases (learning curve) and 3 left-sided RDH cases, 137 cases with no exclusion criteria were included. We divided these 137 donors into the "cut and suture" (CS) group (n = 33) and the "triple C" technique group (n = 104). We compared intraoperative details and postoperative outcomes. Results: All 137 robotic donors and 128/137 recipients are currently well. Donor biliary leak rate was significantly lower among the triple C group (n = 3, 2.9%) compared to the CS group (n = 5, 15.2%) (p=0.009). No other differences in postdonation morbidity were observed among the two groups. Recipient biliary complication rate was lower in the triple C group than in the CS group although not statistically significant (10.6% vs. 15.1%; p=0.537), despite more multiple biliary anastomoses in the former. No significant differences in post-transplant recipient morbidity and mortality were observed. Conclusions: Our simple yet novel triple C technique enables clean, precise, bloodless HDD resulting in lower donor and potentially recipient biliary complication rates. The ease and reproducibility make it ideal for widespread adoption.

Comparison of manual sutures and laparoscopic stapler for pancreatic stump closure techniques in robotic distal pancreatectomy: a single-center experience

BackgroundPostoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs) are prevalent and major postoperative complications of distal pancreatectomy (DP). There are numerous ways to manage the pancreatic stump. However, no single approach has been shown to be consistently superior. Moreover, the potential role of robotic systems in reducing POPFs has received little attention.MethodsThe clinical data of 119 patients who had consecutively received robotic distal pancreatectomy between January 2019 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the method of handling the pancreatic stump. The attributes of the patients and the variables during the perioperative period were compared.ResultsThe analysis included 72 manual sutures and 47 stapler procedures. The manual suture group had a shorter operative time (removing installation time) than the stapler group (125.25 ± 63.04 min vs 153.30 ± 62.03 min, p = 0.019). Additionally, the manual suture group had lower estimated blood loss (50 mL vs 100 mL, p = 0.009) and a shorter postoperative hospital stay. There were no significant differences in the incidence of clinically relevant POPFs between the two groups (18.1% vs 23.4%, P > 0.05). No perioperative death occurred in either group.ConclusionThe manual suturing technique was shown to have an incidence of POPFs similar to the stapler technique in robotic distal pancreatectomy and to be safe and feasible.Graphical

Retrospective Analysis of the Effect of Hand-sewn and Stapler Closure of Pancreatic Stump After Distal Pancreatectomy on the Development of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula

Aim: Hand-sewn (HS) and stapled closure (ST) of pancreatic stump following distal pancreatectomy are two frequently used techniques. Rates of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) might be associated with stump closure techniques. This study was carried out to determine rates of POPF after distal pancreatectomy and evaluate impact of two closure methods on development of POPF. 
 Material and Methods: All patients who underwent elective open or laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for malignant and benign pancreatic pathologies between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were grouped as Groups HS and ST. POPF was diagnosed and graded according to International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula guidelines. Rates of biochemical leak and grades of POPF were primary outcome. 
 Results: There were 44 patients (28 in Group HS and 16 in Group ST) with a mean age of 51.8±15.1 years. Groups were similar in demographic and clinical characteristics (p>0.05). There were 15 patients (53.6%) with a biochemical leak in Group HS. In Group ST, six patients (37.5%) developed biochemical leaks. There was no significant in difference between groups in terms of biochemical leak (p=0.305). No patient in Group ST developed a pancreatic fistula. There was only one case with Grade B POPF in Group HS. We did not detect a significant difference in terms of POPF between groups (p=0.999). 
 Conclusion: Both techniques had no significant impact on biochemical leak and POPF rates in patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy. Both pancreatic stump closure approaches are equally safe and can be used with similar clinical efficacy.

Radiofrequency-assisted transection of the pancreas versus stapler in distal pancreatectomy: study protocol for a multicentric randomised clinical trial (TRANSPAIRE)

IntroductionTo date, no pancreatic stump closure technique has been shown to be superior to any other in distal pancreatectomy. Although several studies have shown a trend towards better results in...

A prospective observational study on cystic stump closure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: silk sutures (intra-corporeal ligation) or locking clips (Hem-o-Lok®)

Objectives: The present study compares the clinicopathological features and outcomes of two cystic stump closure techniques (locking clips and intra-corporeal ligation with silk sutures) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary health centre as a prospective observational study between October 5, 2021, and February 15, 2022. For randomisation, double rows of silk sutures were used to close the cystic stump in patients on the odd-numbered day of the month (Group 1). In contrast, a single-row locking clip (Hem-o-Lok®) (Group 2) was used to close the cystic stump in patients on the even-numbered day of the month. The study was terminated when at least 50 patients were reached in both groups. The clinicopathological differences and cholecystectomy outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: This observational study included 114 patients. Of the study cohort, 87 (76.3%) were female, and the mean age was 46.54 ± 14.74 years. There were 64 (56.1%) patients in Group 1 and 50 (43.9%) patients in Group 2. Preoperative ERCP requirement was higher in Group 1 (15.6% vs 4%, p = 0.045), while the mean operation room time was longer in Group 2 (p = 0.015). Morbidity rates were similar in the two groups (3.1% vs 2%) (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Cystic stump closure is the essential step of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. According to the present study’s results, silk sutures (intra-corporeal ligation) and locking clips (Hem-o-Lok®) are materials that can be used safely to close a cystic stump.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Harmonic Scalpel Versus Conventional Techniques of Appendiceal Stump Closure in Laparoscopic Appendicectomy.

Acute appendicitis is one of the most commonly encountered surgical emergencies worldwide. The laparoscopic approach for managing acute appendicitis is gaining popularity over open appendicectomy in the current surgical practice. The advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy are early recovery, fewer wound complications, less pain and better cosmesis. One of the most critical steps in laparoscopic appendicectomy is a secure appendicular stump closure. Life-threatening postoperative complications are often encountered following the breakdown of appendicular stump closure. There are several methods to achieve appendicular stump closure such as intra-corporeal knotting, endoloops, external corporeal knotting and pushing knot inside, endoscopic linear cutting stapler (endo GIA), and endoclips. A meta-analysis on the technique of appendicular stump closure in laparoscopic appendicectomy failed to demonstrate the superiority of one method over the other. In the last few years, many authors have evaluated the outcome of sutureless appendicectomy performed using devices like a harmonic scalpel. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed to summarise the current evidence regarding the utility and safety of harmonic scalpel in sutureless appendicectomy.This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted as per the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic, detailed search was carried out by the authors in the electronic database, including Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, Google scholar and clinical trial registry. Studies were selected and compared based on outcomes such as operative time, hospital stay, postoperative paralytic ileus, wound infection, and total complications. Statistical analysis was performed using the random effect model, fixed-effect model, pooled risk ratio, pooled mean difference and I2 heterogeneity.Four comparative studies with a total of 642 patients (376 male and 266 females) were included in the analysis. There were 359 patients in the conventional technique of appendicular stump closure group and 283 patients in the harmonic scalpel for appendicular stump closure group. Pooled analysis of the outcome measure of total complications showed that the use of harmonic scalpel for closure of appendiceal stump does not result in an increased incidence of complications as compared to the conventional technology of appendiceal stump closure. Pooled analysis of the outcome measure of mean operative time revealed a statistically significant reduction in the operative time in the patients where harmonic scalpel has been used for the management of appendiceal stump as compared to conventional methods (pooled mean difference of -12.96 with 95% CI -15.42, -10.50). Appendiceal stump closure during laparoscopic appendectomy by harmonic scalpel (HS) is comparable with the conventional techniques in terms of hospital stay, wound infection, postoperative paralytic ileus, and total complications. The use of a harmonic scalpel for closure of appendicular stump is associated with a reduction of the mean operative time of laparoscopic appendicectomy.

The technique of stump closure has no impact on post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula in the non-small cell lung cancer-a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundPneumonectomy is a high-risk radical resection procedure, with bronchopleural fistula (BPF) being its most challenging and severe complication. This study aimed to assess the surgical risk factors and the impact of the bronchial stump closure technique on the incidence of the BPF.MethodsThis is a single-center, cross-sectional study of the medical records of 455 post-pneumonectomy patients operated due to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2006–2017. We analyzed the following variables and their influence on the occurrence of the BPF: operation side, surgical techniques (i.e., manual suture or the stapler), stump buttressing, the extension of pneumonectomy, comorbidities, and postoperative complications.ResultsBPF occurred in 7.47% of post-pneumonectomy patients. BPF was more prevalent in right-sided pneumonectomy versus left-sided (10.98% vs. 5.32%; P=0.026). The use of a stapler or manual suture was not associated with the incidence of the BPF (7.96% vs.7.09%, P=0.72). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of BPF among bronchial stump buttressing with the parietal pleura (P=0.80), intercostal muscle flap (IMF) (P=0.46), and pericardial fat pad (P=0.88). When comparing data from 2006–2012 with those from 2013–2017, we found a steady decrease in the number of performed stump reinforcements, but this was not associated with a higher risk of BPF.ConclusionsThe method used for stump closure, additional tissue buttressing of the bronchial stump and year of the surgery had no significant impact on the occurrence of BPF. Only right-sided pneumonectomy was associated with higher BPF occurrence.

The clinical impact of modified transpancreatic mattress sutures with polyglactin 910 woven mesh on postoperative pancreatic fistula in distal pancreatectomy

BackgroundWe previously reported the stump closure method for the remnant pancreas in distal pancreatectomy, in which soft coagulation and polyglycolic acid felt attached with fibrin glue were utilized. Transpancreatic mattress suture with polyglactin 910 woven mesh was recently reported as a novel stump closure technique. We developed the modified transpancreatic mattress suture with polyglactin 910 woven mesh method, which combined our polyglycolic acid felt method with the transpancreatic mattress suture with polyglactin 910 woven mesh method. MethodsThe polyglycolic acid felt group included patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy in whom the pancreatic stump was closed with the polyglycolic acid felt method from 2017 to 2018 (n = 54); whereas the modified transpancreatic mattress suture with polyglactin 910 woven mesh group included those whose stump was closed with the modified transpancreatic mattress suture with polyglactin 910 woven mesh method from 2019 to 2020 (n = 51). Perioperative parameters, including grade B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula (clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula), were assessed according to the stump closure method. ResultsThe incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula was significantly lower in the modified transpancreatic mattress suture with polyglactin 910 woven mesh group than in the polyglycolic acid felt group (7.8% vs 22.2%, P = .036). In multivariate analysis, the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and the transpancreatic mattress suture with polyglactin 910 woven mesh method were independent factors for preventing clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (P = .011 and 0.0038, respectively). Moreover, in the modified transpancreatic mattress suture with polyglactin 910 woven mesh group, the incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula in patients with a thick pancreas (≥13 mm, 6.7%) was comparably as low as that in patients with a thin pancreas (<13 mm, 9.5%). ConclusionThe modified transpancreatic mattress suture with polyglactin 910 woven mesh method is an effective stump closure technique to prevent clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy. Our results warrant further prospective investigation to evaluate the efficacy of the modified transpancreatic mattress suture with polyglactin 910 woven mesh method compared with other standard closure methods (eg, stapler closure or hand-sewn closure).

Appendiceal stump closure with hem-o-lok clips in laparoscopic appendectomy

Various appendiceal stump closure techniques are used in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and usefulness of the Hemolok clip for the closure of appendicular stumps in LA. From January 2015 to October 2018, a total of 87 consecutive patients underwent LA by three surgeons with planned use of Hemolok clips. In 9 (10.3%) patients, hemolok clips could not be used for the closure of the stump. The remaining 78 patients were included for analysis. The demographics, operation time, hospitalization time and complications were recorded. Of these 78 patients, 39 (50%) were male and 39 (50%) were female. The mean age was 28.55 ± 10.61 (18- 73) years and median operation time was 51.3 (30-160) minutes. Twenty-two (28.2%) of the patients had complicated appendicitis (perforated, necrotic). The median time until oral diet allowance was 10.48 (4-36) hours after surgery and median hospitalization time was 22.92 (6-72) hours. Postoperative complications were seen in 4 (5.1%) patients; two had abdominal pain, one had abdominal distention and one had trocar site infection. None of the complications were associated with the use of hemolok clips. None of the patients required reoperation. The appendiceal diameter was found to be greater in patients without hemolok closure compared to patients with hemolok closure (p = 0.003). The closure of the appendix stump with hemolok in LA is an appropriate, safe, fast and cost-effective technique. It is important to note that the appendix stump should not be extremely edematous or necrotic in order to be able to apply hemolok clips. Ideally, the stump should have a diameter smaller than 1 cm.

Closure of the Appendiceal Stump in Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Comparison of Approaches to Complicated Appendicitis

Background: Various techniques can be used for the closure of the appendiceal stump in laparoscopic appendectomy, although no consensus exists on the optimum approach. Objectives: The present study was conducted to compare three different stump closure techniques in cases of complicated appendicitis. Methods: A total of 172 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis were selected for conducting the present retrospective cohort study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the appendiceal stump closure technique: Hem-o-lok clips; extracorporeal knots which were pushed into the abdomen; and laparoscopic knots which were tied manually within the abdomen. The three groups of patients were compared for demographic and clinical characteristics as well as follow-up data. Results: A total of 85 patients were in Group 1, 43 patients in Group 2, and 44 patients in Group 3. The most common surgical finding was a necrotic appendix in all three groups (67.1% vs. 81.4% vs. 68.2%; p: 0.448). The rate of drain use (42.4% vs. 34.9% vs. 31.8%; p: 0.455) and the readmission rates (10.6% vs. 14% vs. 11.4%; p: 0.178) were also similar in all groups. The median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days in all groups. Conclusion: No superiority was identified in any of the approaches to stump closure for the laparoscopic treatment of complicated appendicitis cases. All three techniques can be used safely. Accordingly, the technique should be selected based on the assessment of the surgeon, patient’s characteristics, and cost.

Comparison of Two Stump Closure Techniques in Laparoscopic Appendicectomy: A Single-Centre Prospective Cohort Study.

IntroductionAcute appendicitis is a frequent illness that manifests as an emergency and most of the cases necessitate surgical intervention. One of the most critical processes in a laparoscopic appendicectomy is the closure of the appendicular stump. For the closure of the stump of the appendix, several approaches have been employed and explored, but the one with the best outcomes has yet to be proved. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the medical results and cost analyses of laparoscopic appendicectomy with two of the commonly used stump closure techniques - ENDOLOOP® and Hem-o-lok®.Materials and methodsA two-year prospective hospital-based cohort study was conducted from June 2019 to July 2021. All the patients in the study were randomly assigned to one of two experimental arms (ENDOLOOP® and Hem-o-lok®). The clinical and follow-up data of these patients were collected and tabulated into a data sheet and analyzed.ResultsIn total, 180 individuals were included in the research (90 in each arm). No statistically significant difference was found in comparing the age, gender or diameter of the appendix among the two groups. The time taken for surgery showed significant differences among the two study groups. The time taken for the procedure in the Hem-o-lok® group was significantly lower than the ENDOLOOP® group (40.3 ± 12.3 minutes vs 50.83 ± 10.5 minutes, p < 0.001). No intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications were noted in either of the groups. The average duration of hospital stay was 2.7 ± 0.9 days in the Hem-o-lok® group, while it was 3.1 ± 0.8 days in the ENDOLOOP® group (p = 0.986). The material cost for the stump ligation with Hem-o-lok® was Rs. 310 ± Rs. 76 while that using ENDOLOOP® was Rs. 630 ± Rs. 118 (p < 0.001). In the Hem-o-lok® subset of patients, the mean direct expenses of laparoscopic appendicectomy were considerably lower. During the 12-week follow-up period, none of the patients had any post-operative complications.ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, both the technical variations of appendix stump closure are equal in terms of postoperative complications. When compared to the ENDOLOOP® group, the Hem-o-lok® group had a shorter duration of surgery and ended up spending less money. Hem-o-lok® clips have the potential to become the preferred way of anchoring the appendix base during laparoscopic appendicectomy.

Is the use of endoloops safe and efficient for the closure of the appendicular stump in complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis?

There is still controversy regarding the ideal technique to close the appendicular stump in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). The objective of this study was to determine the safety and efficiency of the use of an endoloop (EL) and endostapler (ES) in complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing LA from February 2013 to December 2019. Acute uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis were analysed separately, establishing two groups according to the stump closure technique: EL or ES. Seven hundred-nine patients were included (535 uncomplicated and 174 complicated). In uncomplicated appendicitis, an EL was used in 447 of the patients (83.55%) and an ES was used in 88 patients (16.45%). In complicated appendicitis, an EL was used in 85 patients (48.85%) and an ES was used in 89 patients (51.15%). An analysis of effectiveness and a cost analysis of each technique were performed. In uncomplicated appendicitis, we found no differences with respect to global complications, although there were significant differences in the total mean hospital stay (EL group 1.55 (SD 1.48) days; ES group 2.21 (SD 1.69) days; p = 0.046). This meant a savings of 514.12€ per patient using the EL p < 0.001). In complicated appendicitis, the reoperations classified as Clavien-Dindo IIIB in the EL group (6.4%) were greater than in the ES group (0%) (p = 0.012), although the rate of postoperative abscesses (p = 0.788) and the mean volume of abscesses (p = 0.891) were similar. The systematic use of an EL could reduce costs in uncomplicated appendicitis, while in complicated cases, both options are valid. Prospective studies with a greater number of patients are needed to observe differences in postoperative complications.

Pancreatic Stump Reinforcement with Falciform Ligament during Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy

Purpose: Pancreatic fistula (PF) is the most common and dangerous complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP). The most effective technique of pancreatic stump closure still unclear. Here, we aimed to compare the efficiency of implementation of falciformed ligament (FL) pancreatic stump closure techniques for preventing PF during laparoscopic DP. Methods: All patients between November 2014 and February 2021 who had laparoscopic DP with pancreatic stump covered with FL or no FL covered was retrieved. Their intra- and postoperative outcomes (Operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, postoperative complication according to Clavien-Dindo) were compared. Results: A total of 118 patients were included. Group A - 23 patients with pancreatic stump peirnforcement with FL and group B 95 patients without pancreatic stump reinforcement with FL. Median operative time was 260 (165-510) and 247,5 (range 155-535)min, in group A and B, respectively. and median blood loss was 100 (range 5 - 1000) and 100(range 20-300)ml, in group A and B, respectively. Postoperative stay 8(5-40) days and 9,5(6-38) days (P = 0.590) in group A and B, respectively. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (PPF) grade B occurred in 30% (n7) vs 27%(n26), (P > 0.005) and grade C occurred in 0% vs 3%(n3) P = 0.005, in group A and B, respectively. Conclusion: Pancreatic stump reinforcement with falciformed ligament during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is safe and feasible procedure. Prospective multi-centric trials are needed for further evaluation of the technique.

Endostapler vs Endoloop closure of the appendiceal stump in laparoscopic appendectomy: Which has better outcomes?

BackgroundIn laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), closure of the appendiceal stump can be achieved using either an endostapler or endoloop. We compared outcome data from utilizing either technique. MethodData was collected for all adult patients who underwent LA for appendicitis at a single institution over a 4-year period. Demographic data, complications, length of stay and hospital charges were compared between both groups. ResultsA total of 501 patients underwent LA in the 4-year period. There were no differences in age, gender or BMI. Additionally, there were no differences in procedure length, readmission rates, complication rates (including intra-abdominal abscess) or hospital charges. There was a slightly shorter length of stay in the endoloop closure group (1.22 days) vs endostapler (1.38 days), p = 0.002. ConclusionNeither technique of appendiceal stump closure demonstrated a unique advantage. These findings may have relevance in low resource environments that may not have routine access to surgical staplers.

Effect of different pancreatic stump closure techniques after distal pancreatectomy on frequency and severity of acute postoperative pancreatitis

Objective: to study the effect of different pancreatic stump closure techniques and diameter of the main pancreatic duct on frequency and severity of acute postoperative pancreatitis after distal pancreatectomy. Material and Methods. Distal pancreatectomy was performed on 126 patients with neoplasms of body and/or tail of the pancreas. Patients were distributed among four groups based upon the pancreatic stump closure technique applied after distal pancreatectomy: group 1 (control) included the patients with isolated suturing of the main pancreatic duct in the pancreatic stump with its subsequent sealing by the gastrocolic omentum or hemostatic sponge; group 2 patients underwent isolated suturing of the main pancreatic duct in the pancreatic stump with its subsequent sealing with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate biological glue; group 3 patients had their pancreatic stump closure performed with endoscopic linear cutter stapler; group 4 was composed of the patients with external transduodenal transnasal drainage of enlarged (D&gt;3 mm) main pancreatic duct in the pancreatic stump. Results. The occurrence of acute postoperative pancreatitis in the control group amounted to 45.8%, while, in groups 2, 3 and 4, the frequencies were 44.4, 9.7 and 15.0(%), correspondingly. Besides, the control group was characterized by declined occurrence of the moderately severe form of acute postoperative pancreatitis. Use of endoscopic linear cutter stapler and external transduodenal transnasal drainage of the enlarged main pancreatic duct caused lower acute postoperative pancreatitis frequency in the patients with main pancreatic duct in their pancreatic stumps below 5 mm in diameter. Conclusion. Use of proposed pancreatic stump closure techniques after distal pancreatectomy resulted in lower frequencies of occurrence and severity of acute postoperative pancreatitis.

Rectal stump management in inflammatory bowel disease: a cohort study, systematic review and proportional analysis of perioperative complications.

The aim of this study was to analyse local single-institution data and perform a systematic review of the literature to calculate precise risk estimates of rectal stump-related morbidity and mortality following subtotal colectomy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's colitis, ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis. Institutional information systems were interrogated to obtain local patient data. A systematic review of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed to identify relevant articles. Fixed-effects or random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was performed to calculate pooled incidence estimates, including local data. Sixty-one patients were included locally and all had their rectal stump closed intra-abdominally. Four patients (8.3%) had a rectal stump perforation and 30-day mortality was 0. Fourteen papers were included in our review alongside local data, with a total of 1330 patients included. Pooled mortality was 1.7% (95% confidence interval, CI 1.0-2.8), pooled incidence of pelvic abscess/sepsis, stump leak and wound infection was 5.7% (95% CI 4.4-7.3), 4.9% (95% CI 3.7-6.6) and 11.3% (95% CI 7.8-16), respectively. Subcutaneous placement of the stump was associated with the highest incidence of stump leak (12.6%, 95% CI 8.3-18.6), and closure of the stump with both staples and suture was associated with the highest incidence of pelvic abscess (11.1%, 95% CI 5.8-20.3). Mortality and the incidence of wound infection were similar across stump closure techniques. There was evidence suggesting considerable heterogeneity and publication bias among studies. This study provides estimates of morbidity associated with the rectal stump after subtotal colectomy for IBD. A closed intra-abdominal stump seems to be associated with the highest rate of pelvic abscess/sepsis. Further work in form of an international collaborative project would allow individual patient data analysis and identification of risk factors for complications.

A Novel Technique for Pancreatic Stump Closure: Clip Ligation of the Duct and Associated Suturing of Pancreas.

Pancreatic fistula (PF) remains the primary source of morbidity after distal pancreatectomy (DP). There is currently no optimal stump closure technique to reduce PF rates. We present a novel technique for pancreatic stump closure using Clip Ligation of the duct and Associated Suturing of Pancreas (CLASP). Five patients (three females) with a median age of 65 years underwent DP and splenectomy for pancreatic body or tail tumour using the CLASP technique. Four of those operations were done laparoscopically. Only one patient developed grade A PF. No other postoperative complications were noticed. The mean length of stay was 5.4 days. The CLASP technique was applicable in both laparoscopic and open distal pancreatectomy. The key points include mobilisation of the pancreatic body from the retroperitoneum and division of the parenchyma with energy device. The technique of pancreatic stump closure involves the isolation of the pancreatic duct (PD), application of a double ligaclip on the proximal duct, division of the PD and finally suturing of the pancreatic stump. The CLASP technique is an effective and safe alternative technique to the current traditional methods of pancreatic stump closure.

The Impact of Stump Closure Techniques on Pancreatic Fistula Stratified by the Thickness of the Pancreas in Distal Pancreatectomy

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of stump closure techniques on pancreatic fistula (PF) focusing on pancreatic thickness after distal pancreatectomy (DP). Methods: A total of 213 patients who underwent DP between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The risk factors of PF were investigated. Results: In all patients, age ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR]: 3.60, p = 0.012), operation time ≥300 min (OR: 3.05, p = 0.013) and thickness of transected pancreas (OR: 1.37, p < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for clinically relevant PF. A receiver operating curve analysis revealed the optimum cut-off values of thickness to be 14 mm with stapler closure and 17 mm with the clamp-crushing method. There were no significant differences regarding PF between the stapler closure and clamp-crushing methods in the thin (<14 mm) and very thick pancreas (≥17 mm) groups (p = 0.822, p = 0.072). In contrast, stapler closure was the only independent risk factor for developing PF in the moderately thick (≥14, <17 mm) pancreas group (OR: 6.75 and p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: The clamp-crushing method was superior to stapler closure for pancreatic transection, especially in patients with moderately thick pancreas.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatic resection.

The failure of pancreatic anastomosis after the proximal pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and the failure of pancreatic stump after the distal pancreatectomy with a resulting postoperative pancreatic fistula remain the most feared complications after pancreatic resection. Surgeons have been trying to find a reliable reconstructive technique of pancreatic anastomosis for decades. A literature search was performed to January 2020. Studies giving a detailed description of the pancreatic anastomosis after open PD and pancreatic stump closure techniques after the distal pancreatectomy were included. The aim of this study was review reported data derived from meta-analyses concerning the incidence of POPF according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. A comparison of various surgical techniques and their impact on POPF incidence was made. In the group of clinically relevant POPF (CR- POPF), a well established difference between the patients undergoing POPF-associated interventional drainage or reoperation was observed. Meta-analyses showed that the patients with CR- POPF were statistically more likely to have a small duct size, soft gland texture, particular pancreatic neoplasms and an excessive intraoperative blood loss. Grade C POPF following PD, although uncommon, occurs with a defined incidence and is associated with a substantial morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, delayed recovery and a significant mortality. According to the results of various meta-analyses, pancreatogastrostomy and pancreatojejunostomy seemed to be comparable anastomotic techniques following PD (Ref. 54).