Closure of the residual pancreatic stump after pancreatoduodenectomy using a mechanical stapler

An important technical problem during pancreatoduodenectomy is the treatment of the pancreatic stump. The Authors describe their recent experience in five cases of pancreatoduodenectomy, in which the pancreatic stump, including the Wirsung, was closed using a linear stapler. An outflow of clear pancreatic juice through the drainage tubes was registered postoperatively, in all patients. The flow of the fistula was very limited in 4 cases and the healing occurred within two weeks; only in one case the drainage was initially more than 200 ml/die, but a spontaneous healing occurred after 28 days.