Does Pancreatic Stump Closure Method Influence Distal Pancreatectomy Outcomes?

Pancreatic fistula remains the primary source of morbidity following distal pancreatectomy. Previous studies have reported specific methods of parenchymal transection/stump sealing in an effort to decrease the pancreatic fistula rate with highly variable results. The aim of this study was to determine postoperative outcomes following various pancreatic stump-sealing methods. All cases of distal pancreatectomy were reviewed at a single institution between January 2008 and June 2011 and were monitored with complete 30-day outcomes through ACS-NSQIP. Pancreatic stump-sealing method was used to create three operation groups (suture, staple, or saline-linked radiofrequency). Two- and three-way statistical analyses were performed among the operation groups. Two hundred three patients underwent distal pancreatectomy. The most common diagnoses included chronic pancreatitis, adenocarcinoma, and IPMN. The suture, staple, and SLRF groups included 90 (44 %), 61 (30 %), and 52 (26 %) patients, respectively. Overall complications (range 31–38 %) and pancreatic fistula (range 25–26 %) were similar with each pancreatic closure technique. Operative technique was not associated with an increased need for postoperative interventions or hospital readmission. Postoperative outcomes after distal pancreatectomy are unaffected by the use of SLRF sealing of the pancreatic stump when compared to traditional suture or reinforced stapling techniques.