Bioabsorbable Staple-Line Reinforcement for Pancreatectomy in a Porcine Model: A Preliminary Study

Background: We conducted an exploratory study to assess the use of FOREseal® bioabsorbable reinforcement sleeves in stapling of the pancreatic parenchyma. Methods: A left pancreatectomy was carried out with linear stapler on 12 pigs: in the FOREseal group (n = 6), the stapling was reinforced with FOREseal, while in the control group (n = 6), simple stapling was applied. Results: The mean operating time was not different between the two groups. No additional haemostasis of the stapling transection was necessary with FOREseal, while in the control group, four pigs required additional haemostasis (p = 0.03). The mean postoperative drainage volume and the mean duration of drainage were, respectively, in the FOREseal group versus the control group: 82 versus 204 ml (p = 0.2) and 3.2 versus 4.7 days (p = 0.3). No adverse event occurred in the FOREseal group. There was no anatomopathological difference between the two groups. Conclusion: A good tolerance of FOREseal was observed when used on the pancreatic stump. In this study, it was demonstrated a better haemostatic control of the pancreatic stump with FOREseal which also tends to reduce the volume of postoperative drainage liquid.