Application of stapling devices in liver surgery: Current status and future prospects

The liver is a vascular-rich solid organ. Safe and effective dissection of the vessels and liver parenchyma, and control of intraoperative bleeding are the main concerns when performing liver resection. Several studies have confirmed that intraoperative blood loss and postoperative transfusion are predictors of postoperative morbidity and mortality in liver surgery. Various methods and instruments have been developed during hepatectomy. Stapling devices are crucial for safe and rapid anastomosis. They are used to divide hepatic veins and portal branches, and to transect liver parenchyma in open liver resection. In recent years, laparoscopic liver surgery has developed rapidly, and is now preferred by many surgeons. Stapling devices have also been gradually introduced in laparoscopic liver surgery, from dividing vascular and biliary structures to parenchymal transection. This may be because staplers make manipulation more simple, rapid and safe. Even in single incision laparoscopic surgery, which is recognized as a new minimally invasive technique, staplers are also utilized, especially in left lateral hepatectomy. For safe application of stapling devices in liver surgery, more related designs and modifications, such as application of a suitable laparoscopic articulating liver tissue crushing device, a staple line reinforcement technique with the absorbable polymer membrane or radiofrequency ablation assistance, are still needed. More randomized studies are needed to demonstrate the benefits and find broader indications for the use of stapling devices, to help expand their application in liver surgery.