Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery for Splenic Artery Aneurysm: A Systematic Review

Robotic Surgery for Elective Repair of Visceral and Renal Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Review

Background: The treatment choice of visceral artery aneurysms in an elective setting is debated. The durability and the risk of reintervention with endovascular treatment are still reasons for concern, whereas open surgery is invasive and burdened by major complications. In anecdotal reports and isolated studies, robotic-assisted surgery seems to provide the possibility of a minimally invasive treatment and the durability of traditional open surgery, but the literature supporting this view is scarce. This review aims to collect the results of robotic-assisted surgery in the treatment of visceral artery aneurysms. Methods: A systematic search of the main research databases was performed: the study endpoints were mortality and conversion rates, perioperative morbidity, and freedom from late complications and reinterventions. Results: We identified 16 studies on 53 patients. All cases underwent successful resection, with three conversions to laparoscopy. Perioperative and aneurysm-related mortality were nil. Over a median follow-up of 9 months, two reinterventions were reported (3.6%). Conclusion: The robotic technique is safe and effective in treating splenic and renal artery aneurysms, and it should be considered as a valuable alternative to endovascular and open repair, although larger sample sizes and a longer-term follow-up are necessary to confirm such results.

Long-term Outcome Comparison of 2 Techniques for Embolization of Splenic Artery Aneurysms

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to analyze our single-center experience in endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) with transcatheter coil embolization, comparing long-term outcomes of packing and sandwich techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2010 and December 2021, 28 patients with certain diagnosis of non-ruptured asymptomatic SAA were treated with 2 different embolization techniques (packing, n=10, and sandwich, n=18). Early outcomes assessed were technical success, overall mortality, mean hospital stay, post-embolization syndrome rate, and freedom from splenectomy rate. Estimated 5-year outcomes in terms of freedom from sac reperfusion, and freedom from reintervention were evaluated and compared between the 2 different embolization techniques.

RESULTS

The mean SAA diameter was 2.8±0.8 cm. Overall technical success rate was 100%. Intraoperative and 30-day mortality rates were 0 in both groups. One patient in the sandwich group required a postoperative splenectomy. The mean follow-up period was 58.3±44.5 months. Estimated overall 5-year survival was 86.7%. Five-year freedom from sac reperfusion was 100% in the sandwich group, and 85.7% in the packing group, with no difference between the 2 groups (p=0.131), whereas freedom from reintervention was 100% in the sandwich group, and 75% in the packing group with a statistically significant difference (p=0.049; log-rank=3.750).

CONCLUSIONS

Embolization of SAAs seemed to be safe and effective with 100% of technical success rate and good perioperative results. Both sandwich and packing techniques yielded promising results also in the long-term period.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Transcatheter coil embolization of splenic artery aneurysms seems to be a safe and effective procedure with a 100% technical success and satisfactory perioperative outcomes. Sandwich and packing techniques offer good results in the long-term period. Freedom from reintervention seems to be optimal and comparable between the 2 techniques.

Robotic resection for splenic artery aneurysm associated with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report

BACKGROUND

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal-dominant disease characterized by café-au-lait spots and neurofibromas, as well as various other symptoms in the bones, eyes, and nervous system. Due to its connection with vascular fragility, neurofibromatosis type 1 has been reported to be associated with vascular lesions, such as aneurysms. However, there have been few reports of abdominal visceral aneurysms associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. Furthermore, there have been no reports of robotic treatment of aneurysms associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. In this report, we describe the case of a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 with a splenic artery aneurysm who was successfully treated with robotic surgery.

CASE PRESENTATION

This report describes a 41-year-old Asian woman with a history of neurofibromatosis type 1 who was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a 28 mm splenic artery aneurysm observed on abdominal ultrasound. The aneurysm was in the splenic hilum, and transcatheter arterial embolization was attempted; however, this was difficult due to the tortuosity of the splenic artery. Thus, we suggested minimally invasive robotic surgery for treatment and resection of the splenic artery aneurysm with preservation of the spleen. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the eighth day after surgery. At 1 year of follow-up, the patient was doing well, with no evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

We encountered a rare case of splenic artery aneurysm in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 who was successfully treated with robotic surgery. There is no consensus on treatment modalities for neurofibromatosis-related aneurysms, and endovascular treatment is considered safe and effective; however, surgery remains an important treatment modality. Especially in patients with stable hemodynamic status, robotic surgery may be considered as definitive treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first successfully treated case of a splenic artery aneurysm in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Situs viscerum inversus and abdominal aortic aneurysm: A systematic review of a rare association

Situs viscerum inversus (SVI) is a very rare condition in that abdominal and thoracic organs are located reversed. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening pathology due to progressive aortic enlargement until the rupture. The association between SVI and AAA is very infrequent. The aim of this study is to identify the surgical procedures available to treat AAA in SVI. We performed a literature review of all studies about AAA in SVI patients, analyzing PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science (WOS), Google Scholar databases. The survey includes all publications until June 2023. The outcomes include demographic findings, type of surgical procedure, intraoperative and postoperative complications, follow-up. A total of 12 studies, including 12 patients, were considered eligible for the review. AAA mean size was 70.5 mm (range: 55-90 mm); the most common localization was in the infrarenal aortic portion. 6 studies reported data on elective surgery, and 6 on emergency procedures. In one case endovascular treatment was performed. No intraoperative complications are reported; 3 postoperative complications are registered. Medium follow-up period was 13.5 months (range: 3-60). According to the available literature, the treatment of AAA in SVI is feasible and does not show an incremented morbidity compared to patients with a normal visceral configuration. This treatment seems to be effective also in case of endovascular treatment. AAA treatment in SVI should be performed (especially in elective settings) in high volume centers where it is possible to bring on collaboration across different surgical specialists.

Hybrid Approach for Treatment of a Symptomatic Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysm

A 56-year-old female presented with a symptomatic giant fusiform mid-splenic artery aneurysm (7.3 x 6.4 cm). The patient underwent hybrid management of the aneurysm with endovascular embolization of the aneurysm and inflow splenic artery followed by laparoscopic splenectomy with control and division of the outflow vessels. The patient had an uneventful post-operative course. This case demonstrates the safety and efficacy of an innovative, hybrid management of a giant splenic artery aneurysm with endovascular embolization and laparoscopic splenectomy that spares the pancreatic tail.

Current Debates in the Management of Visceral Artery Aneurysms: Where the Guidelines Collide

On one hand, the main difficulties in establishing a wide, evidence-based consensus about the best approach to visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) and pseudoaneurysms (VAPAs) are the paucity of data, due to their rarity in the general population, and the extreme heterogeneity of this group of diseases, which encompasses different aneurysm types, with different degrees of rupture risks according to their anatomical locations [...].

Splenic artery aneurysm in pregnancy: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) are associated with significant maternal and fetal mortality when ruptured in pregnancy. However, there is no consensus on the optimal obstetric management of both ruptured and asymptomatic SAA. We aimed to evaluate risk factors, presentation, investigation, and management of SAA in pregnancy and puerperium.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus were screened from January 2000 to October 2020 using keywords related to pregnancy and SAA. Articles on ruptured and unruptured SAA in pregnancy until 6 weeks postpartum were considered. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Quantitative analysis and narrative synthesis were used.

RESULTS

Seventy-five ruptured and nine unruptured SAA cases were included. Mean age was 31.1 ± 5.2 years, of which 47 (64.4%) were multiparous and 46 (54.8%) presented in their third trimester, largely with epigastric and left-sided abdominal pain. The double-rupture phenomenon of delayed blood loss and symptoms was noted in 11 (14.7%); 60 (70.7%) underwent preoperative imaging. Mean SAA size was 23.0 ± 13.6 mm. Ruptured SAA were primarily managed by laparotomy (61, 81.3%) typically with splenectomy,  and unruptured SAA by embolization or laparotomy. There was no mortality in unruptured SAA, but significant mortality on rupture (19, 25.7% maternal; 36, 50.0% fetal).

CONCLUSION

Given their predisposition and high mortality in pregnancy, it is crucial that SAAs are promptly diagnosed and managed, requiring increased obstetrician awareness.

Laparoscopic splenic artery aneurysmectomy with ICG guided partial splenectomy: alternative approach

We herein report the case of a voluminous splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) diagnosed in a 48 year-old Caucasian male patient. After endovascular treatment failure, considering the volumetric aneurysm increase and recurrent symptoms, a laparoscopic splenic artery aneurysmectomy with partial splenectomy guided by indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG) was performed. This conservative strategy leads to save a spleen volume of about 10 cm³ to avoid postsplenectomy thrombocytosis and infections, potential immunodeficiency and overwhelming postsplenectomy infection syndrome (OPSS) and to preserve pancreatic vascularization preventing distal pancreas injuries.

[Embolization of splenic artery aneurysms: Treatment of choice. About a case and review of the literature]

Splenic artery aneurysms constitute 60% of digestive artery aneurysms. They are often discovered incidentally and by imaging. Currently, endovascular treatment is considered the first-line treatment, as it is less invasive with less morbidity and mortality than surgery. An aggressive approach in their management is certainly justified because the overall mortality of ruptured splenic aneurysms is 25%. False splenic aneurysms have a greater potential for rupture than true aneurysms because they grow faster. Endovascular treatment is generally indicated for aneurysms larger than 2cm or with an increase in size of more than 0.5cm/year. Embolization is rarely associated with an infarction of the spleen due to the good supply of short gastric vessels. Embolization is performed using different materials including coils, which can be used alone or with other embolic agents. Post-embolization syndrome can be seen with persistent pain, fever and other systemic symptoms. Endovascular treatment compared to open surgery is associated with better quality of life and appears to be the most cost-effective strategy. Endovascular treatment and especially coil embolization are starting to be the standard treatment. Surgical and laparoscopic treatment are reserved for ruptured aneurysms which are burdened with significant mortality, especially in pregnant women. We report the case of a 66-year-old female patient in whom a splenic artery aneurysm was discovered incidentally during an ultrasound for an ovarian cyst.

Laparoscopic Mesogastrium Excision for Gastric Cancer: Only the Beginning

Background: Surgery, with the aid of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is the only curative chance for gastric cancer. Unfortunately, gastric cancer had an elevated recurrence rate, primarily locally. Mesogastrium excision (MGE) during D2 lymphadenectomy has the aim to remove all possible contaminated tissue around the stomach. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Web of Science (WOS) were systematically searched for MGE reports in gastric cancer up to March 2020. The outcome reported were the number of lymph nodes retrieved, operative time (OT), overall morbidity, intra- and postoperative complications, conversion rate, and length of hospital stay. Results: A total of six studies, including 518 patients, were considered eligible for this analysis. All the studies reported laparoscopic cases. The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved was 36.7 ± 10.1. Mean OT was 240.7 ± 10.1 minutes. One case of conversion is reported. Overall morbidity was 6%. Medium estimated blood loss was 50.2 ± 39.6 mL. Overall length of stay was 10.7 ± 0.7 days. Mean follow-up was 11 ± 1.4 months. Conclusions: Only few studies evaluated this item, and according to the available evidence, MGE is a feasible technique that could be performed, also laparoscopically, in all surgical resections for gastric cancer with curative intent. Further studies are essential to establish the clear indication of this invasive procedure.