PURPOSE At present, ≥ 20% of patients experience clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP). METHODS We developed a new bioabsorbable pancreatic clip (BioPaC) made of polycaprolactone that does not crush the pancreatic parenchyma during occlusion of the pancreatic stump. We confirmed the efficacy of this BioPac in a porcine DP model and compared it to a linear stapling device (Reinforce®). RESULTS Pigs were killed at 1 month after DP. In the BioPaC group, all swine (n = 3) survived well without POPF. In the Reinforce® group (n = 2), one pig died early at postoperative day 7 with Grade C POPF (amylase 43 700 U/l), and the other survived until 1 month at scarification with biochemical leakage of POPF (amylase 3 725 U/l). Pathologically, the main pancreatic duct and pancreatic parenchyma were well closed by BioPaC. CONCLUSION The newly developed BioPaC is effective in a porcine DP model.
Efficacy of a newly developed bioabsorbable pancreatic clip for distal pancreatectomy in swine.