Does autologous fibrin sealant (vivostat^©) reduce the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy? - a matched pairs analysis

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common complication following distal pancreatectomy. This retrospective study investigated the effects of autologous fibrin sealant (Vivostat^©) in reducing the incidence of POPF after distal pancreatectomy.

Methods: A matched pairs analysis was performed to compare the incidence of clinically relevant POPF of 41 patients who underwent a distal pancreatectomy with application of autologous fibrin sealant (Vivostat^©) with a historical control group.

Results: Clinically relevant POPF were present in 11 patients in the study group (27%) and in 13 patients in the control group (32%, p = .639). No patient of the study group required emergency angiographic treatment for postoperative hemorrhage due to POPF, whereas three patients were identified in the control group (7%, p = .079).

Conclusions: POPF cannot be prevented under treatment with autologous fibrin sealant (Vivostat^©). We observed the tendency of a lower rate of postoperative pancreatic hemorrhage due to POPF. However, prospective randomized controlled studies are required.