Linear stapling device in partial resection of abdominal parenchymatous organs

The use of the linear stapling device (LSD) is well-established in hollow-organ gastro-intestinal surgery. Its use in operations performed on parenchymatous viscera is less common. We present our experiences with the LSD in partial resection of the spleen (2 cases), pancreas (5 cases), liver (2 cases) and kidney (2 cases). To the best of our knowledge the use of the LSD for partial nephrectomy and resectional debridement of the liver has not been previously described. We suggest that LSDs are useful aids in the resection of parenchymatous organs, and allow rapid resection if applied to healthy tissues and in regions with an intact capsule.