Utilization of the Falciform Ligament to Buttress the Pancreatic Transection Staple Line: A Novel Technique
1Department of Oncology Surgery, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan.
Background:
Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a common complication after distal pancreatectomy and is a major source of operative morbidity. Although various mechanical, biological, and synthetic aids have been used to reduce the risk of POPF, none have a proven benefit.
Materials And Methods:
The authors describe (and present a video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/SLE/A256) a novel technique in which the autologous falciform ligament was harvested, wrapped around the pancreas at the site of proposed pancreatic transection, and secured with sutures to buttress the pancreatic transection staple line. The pancreas was then transected with a triple-row stapler.
Results:
Two male patients aged 40 and 57 years each with a 4.3 and 4.2 cm solid mass in the body of the pancreas respectively underwent laparoscopic anterior radical antegrade modular pancreaticosplenectomy, the former patient underwent an en block transverse colectomy for suspected malignancy. Both patients had soft pancreata. They experienced no POPF, made an uneventful recovery, and were discharged from the hospital on the second and fourth postoperative days, respectively. No pancreatic complications were encountered at 5 and 6 months follow-up, respectively.
Conclusions:
The use of the falciform ligament to buttress the staple line at the time of pancreatic transection is a novel technique. Its potential benefit in reducing the risk of POPF warrants further assessment.
