[Pancreas resection with the surgical stapler. Technique and results]

In a consecutive series of 42 pancreatoduodenectomies and 17 distal pancreatectomies we evaluated the applicability of the stapler TA-55 for transecting the pancreas parenchyma. In 90% of Whipple's operations and in 88% of distal pancreatectomies the transection of the pancreas was successfully accomplished by using the TA-55. The two rows of steel staples lead to a uniform closure of the pancreatic tissue and thus provided an excellent precondition for pancreatic stump healing and creation of a pancreaticojejunal anastomosis. Pancreatic fistulas occurred in 3 cases (5%) and were all successfully treated conservatively. Summarizing our experience, the stapler TA-55 can be recommended particularly for the transection of normal and fragile pancreatic tissue.