Transecting the pancreas neck with electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer (LigaSure) in laparoscopic left pancreatectomy: case report.

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy remains an unsolved problem, ranging in frequency between 15% and 40%, regardless of whether the intervention is performed laparoscopically or by open surgery.

METHODS

Herein, presenting the case of a 68-year-old woman with a functioning insulinoma submitted to laparoscopic spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy, we propose a new technique of pancreatic transection by the LigaSure system, which seals vessels and other tubular structures by reforming parietal collagen and elastin.

RESULTS

The patient had a favorable outcome. The reported technique presents the advantages of an easy employ and of a contemporary hemostasis, thus being particularly suitable by the laparoscopic way, and may offer from a theoretical point of view some advantages over conventional pancreatic stump closure techniques in terms of fistula formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic pancreatic transection by LigaSure may prove useful, safe, and effective. A prospective clinical study has now been designed to confirm such hypothesis.

SHORT SUMMARY

A simple and safe technique for pancreas neck transection, particularly suitable for laparoscopic left pancreatectomy, is described.