Anatomy of the splanchnic circulation

Laparoscopic splenectomy

Laparoscopic splenectomy was attempted in 16 patients and was performed successfully in 13 (81%) patients with the diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), AIDS-related thrombocytopenia, Hodgkin's disease, or lymphoma. The operative time averaged 157 min, and autologous transfusion was required in four patients. The postsurgical stay averaged 3 days in patients with completely laparoscopic splenectomies and 4 days in patients whose spleens were removed through small counterincisions. No major complications secondary to the procedure itself occurred postoperatively. Conversion to open operation was necessary in three (19%) patients because of bleeding or splenomegaly. With careful selection of patients and mastery of the technique, laparoscopic splenectomy can be safely performed on normal or slightly enlarged spleens. The advantages are less pain, shorter hospitalization, and reduced disability as compared to "open" splenectomy.

Laparoscopic splenectomy

A technique for laparoscopic splenectomy is described. The patient is placed in the right semidecubitus position and pneumoperitoneum is prepared. The splenic artery and vein are exposed near the hilum, using a laparoscopic ultrasonic dissector. The larger vessels are doubly ligated, and the spleen is resected and maneuvered into a nylon surgical sack; the sack is removed through a 2-cm incision along the midaxillary line. This procedure has been used for four patients requiring splenectomy for benign disease, and the outcome has been entirely satisfactory for all concerned.

Behavioral anatomy of the abdominal arteries

For surgical practice, behavioral anatomy is more important than variational anatomy. It has been possible, indeed, to define rules and behavioral explanations that allow us to understand and thus memorize easily the overwhelming number of variations in the abdominal blood supply. Variational anatomy is like the wiring diagram of a television set, whereas behavioral anatomy is its remote controller.

The surgical anatomy of the spleen

The surgical embryology and anatomy of the spleen are reported with emphasis given to ligaments, blood supply, and segmentation. The anatomic entities involved with splenic surgery are presented. Surgical applications are emphasized. Knowledge of splenic anatomy and technique, with efforts to save the organ if possible, is paramount for good results.

Laparoscopic splenectomy

Splenectomy has traditionally been done through a generous laparotomy incision, requiring complete mobilization of the spleen for removal. In selected cases, however, splenectomy may either be facilitated or performed entirely by laparoscopic means. Two patients with Hodgkin's disease in whom splenectomy was facilitated laparoscopically are described; in another patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), the splenectomy was successfully performed through the trocar incisions. In selected cases, laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible, provided the laparoscopist is expert in advanced techniques of intraabdominal endoscopic surgery.