Laparoscopic partial splenectomy for giant cyst using a radiofrequency-assisted device: a case report

Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy: A Critical Appraisal of an Emerging Technique. A Review of the First 457 Published Cases

Background: Laparoscopic partial splenectomy (LPS) may allow avoiding total splenectomy (TS) complications and maximizing the advantages of mini-invasive approach. The objective of this review is to assess feasibility and safety of LPS, to compare this approach with alternative options. Materials and Methods: A literature review of articles reporting LPS is performed. Several parameters, including age, indication, surgical technique, devices used for splenic section/hemostasis, adverse outcomes, including morbidity/mortality, conversions to open surgery, conversions to TS, operative time (OT), and hospital stay (HS), are analyzed. Articles comparing LPS' results with those of open partial splenectomy and laparoscopic TS are also analyzed. Results: Fifty-nine articles reporting 457 LPS were included. Patients' characteristics varied widely, concerning age and indications, including hematological disease (hereditary spherocytosis, drepanocytosis), splenic focal masses, and trauma. Several technical options are reported. Mean OT and HS are 128 ± 43.7 minutes and 4.9 ± 3.8 days, respectively. No mortality and 5.7% morbidity are reported. Conversion rates to open surgery and to TS are 3.9% and 3.7%, respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion LPS is feasible and safe, with no mortality, low morbidity, and low conversion rates to laparotomy and to TS. LPS may be accomplished by various techniques and tools. Major complications are sporadically reported, thus potential risks should not be underestimated.

Feasibility and Safety of Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic partial splenectomy (LPS) is a challenging procedure. The aim of this review was to evaluate its feasibility, safety, and potential benefits.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive review for the years 1995-2018 to retrieve all relevant articles.

RESULTS

A total of 44 studies with 252 patients undergoing LPS were reviewed. Six studies described combined operations. Ranges of operative time and estimated blood loss were 50-225 min and 0-1200 ml, respectively. There are eight patients need blood transfusion in 231 patients with available data. The conversion rate was 3.6% (9/252). Overall, 27 patients (10.7%;27/252) developed postoperative or intraoperative complications. Overall mortality was 0% (0/252). The length of postoperative stay (POS) varied (1-11 days). Among four comparative studies, one showed LPS could reduce POS than laparoscopic total splenectomy (LTS) (LTS 5.4 ± 1.8 days, LPS 4.2 ± 0.8 days, p = 0.027) and complications (pleural effusion (LTS 9/22, LPS 0/15, p = 0.005), splenic vein thrombosis (LTS 10/22, LPS 0/15, p = 0.002)). Another comparative study showed LPS may benefit emergency patients. However, one comparative study showed LPS was associated with more pain, longer time to oral intake, and longer POS in children with hereditary spherocytosis. The fourth comparative study showed robotic subtotal splenectomy was comparable to laparoscopy in terms of POS and complication. The main benefits were lower blood loss, vascular dissection time, and a better evaluation of splenic remnant volume.

CONCLUSIONS

In early series of highly selected patients, LPS appears to be feasible and safe when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

Partial splenectomy: Who, when and how. A systematic review of the 2130 published cases

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

In order to avoid consequences of total splenectomy (including severe postsplenectomy sepsis), partial splenectomy (PS) is increasingly reported. Without guidelines and indications concerning a rarely-indicated procedure, a review of literature should be an asset.

METHODS

A systematic review of all PSs from 1960 to December 2017 was performed, with special focus on surgical indications, sites of resection, approaches and techniques of vascular dissection and parenchymal section/hemostasis of the spleen, perioperative morbidity/mortality, including complications compelling to perform total splenectomy.

RESULTS

Among 2130 PSs, indications for resection were hematological disease in 1013 cases and nonhematological conditions in 1078, including various tumors in 142 and trauma in 184. Parenchymal transection was performed using several techniques through the years, most frequently after having induced partial ischemia by splenic hilum vascular dissection/ligation. 371 laparoscopic/robotic PSs were reported. Rescue total splenectomy was required in 75 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although good results are probably overestimated by such a retrospective review, PS should be considered as a procedure associated with a low morbidity/mortality. Nevertheless, severe complications are also reported, and the need of total splenectomy should not to be minimized. Laparoscopic/robotic procedures are increasingly performed, with good results and rare conversions.

TYPE OF STUDY

Systematic review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Total laparoscopic splenectomy for giant epidermoid cyst: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Splenic cysts are benign tumors, accidentally detected using US or CT scan. They are classified into true cyst (primary, 25%) and pseudocyst (secondary, 75%). Conventional treatment of splenic cyst, especially giant, symptomatic and complicated has been open or laparoscopic total splenectomy. Recently, partial splenectomy is recommended as well to preserve its hematopoietic function and homeostasis of blood, but it is not considered safe for complications as intra and post operative bleeding.

CASE REPORT

A 46 years old man, martial arts practitioner, underwent US abdomen scan because of left upper quadrant pain, with evidence of a splenic mass. He underwent also CT and MRI, which revealed "oval giant splenic mass of 12 cm diameter located in superior splenic pole that can be firstly referred to cyst". Considered patient's frequency to thoraco-abdominal traumas, we decided to perform a total laparoscopic splenectomy. Surgical treatment was performed with a three trocar technique and lasted 150 minutes. Post-operative follow-up was regular and abdominal drain was removed in 4th POD (Post Operative Day). Patient was discharged in 5th POD. Pathological examination revealed epidermoid cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

Total splenectomy needs to be performed in cases of giant cyst and in our limited experience it is a safe approach.