Laparoscopic subtotal splenectomy

BACKGROUND: Since 1979, we have been studying subtotal splenectomy. This procedure was used in over 200 patients to treat splenic trauma, portal hypertension, myeloid metaplasia due to myelofibrosis, Gaucher disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, retarded growth, and sexual development associated with splenomegaly, and disorders of the pancreatic tail. On the basis of our clinic experience with laparoscopic splenectomy with and without splenic autotransplantation, open subtotal splenectomy, and after a training period with laparoscopic conservative splenic operations on animals, this communication presents laparoscopic subtotal splenectomy as a new treatment of severe pain due to ischemia of the spleen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients with severe splenic pain due to ischemia provoked by vascular obstruction of the spleen were successfully treated by laparoscopic subtotal splenectomy, with preservation of the upper splenic pole supplied only by the gastrosplenic vessels. RESULTS: This procedure was safely conducted with minor bleeding and no technical difficulties or complications. The postoperative follow-up of 5 and 21 months has been uneventful and the pain disappeared since the first postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible and safe to perform subtotal splenectomy by laparoscopy. This procedure seems to be a good treatment for pain due to splenic ischemia.     

Assessment of post-splenectomy residual splenic function. Splenic autotransplants

Splenectomy increases the risk of fulminant sepsis. The present study assesses residual splenic function in patients splenectomized due to traumatic rupture of the spleen; and six cases with splenic autotransplants. Splenic tissue was observed in only 48% of the splenectomized patients and 100% of the autotransplant cases. The two most reliable analytical parameters to assess the presence of functional splenic tissue, were the absence of Howell-Jolly bodies and normal IgM blood levels. In cases where total splenectomy is indicated, it has proved useful to perform autotransplantation of splenic tissue at omentum major level.     

自体移植脾组织VEGF、KDR表达与血管再生的实验研究

目的 研究自体移植脾组织血管再生及VEGF、KDR表达规律，阐明VEGF、KDR对移植脾组织血管再生的调控作用，为脾脏外科临床及实验研究提供理论依据。方法 健康Wistar大鼠70只，体重100—120g，随机分为7组，每组10只中又设脾切除自体脾移植组5只，假手术组5只，分别于术后7，14，30，60，90，120，180d进行：(1)自体移植脾组织病理学检测；(2)大鼠行主动脉插管灌注墨汁，光镜观测再生血管并采用图像分析测定其密度；(3)免疫组化抗VEGF、KDR抗体染色，图像分析定量，阐明其表达规律及与血管再生的关系。结果 (1)自体脾组织移植术后7d即有血管从大网膜向脾组织内伸展，移植脾组织内血管密度逐渐增大，至术后180d血管再生接近正常；(2)自体脾组织移植术后7d、14d，VEGF、KDR阳性染色细胞密度迅速升高，术后60d达高峰，以后逐渐降低，至术后180d VEGF、KDR阳性染色细胞密度趋向正常。结论 自体脾组织大网膜内移植术是简便有效的脾移植方法；移植脾组织新生血管由大网膜再生而来；术后移植脾组织内VEGF、KDR表达量升高，促进血管形成，血管再生完成后恢复正常水平。     

Site of splenic autotransplantation affects protection from sepsis

Using an animal model with bacteria delivered through the respiratory tract, the relative protective effects of subcutaneous and intraperitoneal splenic autotransplants were compared. Animals with intraperitoneal implants demonstrated a mortality not different from that in control animals and an early mortality significantly lower than found in splenectomized animals. Subcutaneous splenic autotransplantation provided no protective effect. The inability of extraperitoneal subcutaneous implants to protect against postsplenectomy pulmonary sepsis in our model suggests that subcutaneous splenic autotransplantation is an inappropriate alternative to intraperitoneal splenic autotransplantation in the clinical setting.     

Splenosis in a port site after laparoscopic splenectomy

Splenosis, the autotransplantation of splenic tissue, is most commonly seen after traumatic splenic rupture and splenectomy. It also can occur during embryonic development. Intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, and retroperitoneal sites have been reported. Although the presence of the splenic tissue often is asymptomatic and an incidental finding, it may present with pain or be confused with various pathologies including neoplasia. Because most pediatric splenectomies are performed for hemolytic disorders, parenchymal disruption must be contained to avoid recurrent disease. We present a case in which the devascularized spleen was contained in a bag and fragmented in situ. Splenosis developed in the retrieval port site after laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy. Port-site splenosis needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of port-site pain and a palpable nodule postsplenectomy.     

Autologous splenic transplantation for splenic trauma.

OBJECTIVE: The authors reviewed the experimental evidence, surgical technique, complications, and results of clinical trials evaluating the role of autologous splenic transplantation for splenic trauma. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Splenorrhaphy and nonoperative management of splenic injuries have now become routine aspects in the management of splenic trauma. Unfortunately, not all splenic injuries are readily amenable to conventional spleen-conserving approaches. Heterotopic splenic autotransplantation has been advocated for patients with severe grade IV and V injuries that would otherwise mandate splenectomy. For this subset of patients, splenic salvage by autotransplantation would theoretically preserve the critical role the spleen plays in the host's defense against infection. METHODS: The relevant literature relating to experimental or clinical aspects of splenic autotransplantation was identified and reviewed. Data are presented on the experimental evaluation of autogenous splenic transplantation, methods and complications of autotransplantation, choice of anatomic site and autograft size, and results of clinical trials in humans. RESULTS: The most commonly used technique of autotransplantation in humans involves implanting tissue homogenates or sections of splenic parenchyma into pouches created in the gastrocolic omentum. Most authors have observed evidence of splenic function with normalization of postsplenectomy thrombocytosis, immunoglobulin M levels, and peripheral blood smears. Some degree of immune function of transplanted grafts has been demonstrated with in vivo assays, but the full extent of immunoprotection provided by human splenic autotransplants is currently unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple human and animal studies have established that splenic autotransplantation is a relatively safe and easily performed procedure that results in the return of some hematologic and immunologic parameters to baseline levels. Some aspects of reticuloendothelial function are also preserved. Whether this translates into a real reduction in the morbidity or mortality rates from overwhelming bacterial infection is unknown and requires further investigation.     

腹膜后自体脾移植治疗外伤性脾破裂的前瞻性研究

目的 探讨腹膜后自体脾移植在严重脾外伤保脾手术中应用的可行性及价值。方法 采用前瞻性病例对照研究,将66例严重脾外伤病人分为腹膜后自体脾移植组例、大网膜自体脾移植组,其中腹膜后自体脾移植组32例,大网膜自体脾移植组34例。观察术后一般情况,术后1天～ 12个月血常规,血IgA、IgM、IgG、C3、Tuftsin水平变化。结果 腹膜后自体脾移植组手术时间短于大网膜自体脾移植组（P<0.05）,术后其它一般情况变化、术后1天～ 12个月血IgA、IgM、IgG、C3、Tuftsin水平两组无统计学差异（P> 0.05）。结论 腹膜后自体带蒂脾移植术能够保留脾脏的部分免疫功能,且手术操作简便,在临床上推广应用是可行的。     

Intraportal splenic autotransplantation in rats: Feasibility and effectiveness

This experiment was designed to see whether or not normal host resistance to infection could be reestablished in splenectomized animals by intraportal autotransplantation of homogenized splenic tissue. Part I studied the feasibility of the technique. Within 1 hr of splenectomy, 16 adult Lewis rats received an intraportal injection of autogenous splenic tissue which had been passed through a 500-μm screen. Five rats died acutely from hemorrhage at the site of injection. The others tolerated the infusion well, both acutely and chronically. The animals developed only transient elevations in liver enzymes; chronic portal hypertension did not occur. Histologically, splenic tissue could be demonstrated within terminal portal venules. Part II assessed the effectiveness of intraportal splenic autotransplantation. Eight to twelve months after splenectomy, autotransplantation, or sham operation, 103 Sprague-Dawley rats were challenged with intravenous boluses of 10⁵ to 10⁸ pneumococci. Mortality was 91% for splenectomized animals, 88% for animals bearing autotransplants, and 59% for controls. Thus intraportal splenic autotransplantation is technically feasible in rats. The grafts are well tolerated by the liver, and splenic tissue is preserved in intimate contact with the blood stream. Even after 8 to 12 months, however, such autografts are not capable of providing normal protection against massive pneumococcemia.     

The influence of splenic weight and function on survival after experimental pneumococcal infection.

Splenectomy impairs survival after pneumococcal challenge in rats, while preservation of sufficient splenic tissue can be protective. This study investigated the effects of methylcellulose on stimulation of splenic weight, splenic histology, reticuloendothelial (RE) activity, and survival after pneumococcal infection. Methylcellulose increased spleen weight four- to five-fold but did not improve RE function or survival after infection. These parameters correlated best with the weight of the remnant in animals that did not receive methylcellulose. The functional limitations of splenic autotransplants were not corrected by methylcellulose stimulation of splenic weight. Preservation of a splenic remnant with intact blood supply is preferable to autotransplantation of the spleen to conserve RE capability.     

Long-term results with renal autotransplantation for ureteral replacement

From 1970 to 1984 renal autotransplantation was performed on 23 patients to replace all or a major portion of the ureter. The conditions necessitating ureteral replacement were postoperative ureteral injury in 16 cases, recurrent renal colic in 4, urinary undiversion in 2 and an atonic ureter in 1. Six patients presented with a solitary kidney and 1 underwent staged bilateral autotransplantation. After autotransplantation urinary continuity was restored by ureteroneocystostomy in 11 patients, pyelovesicostomy in 7, ureteroureterostomy in 2, pyeloureterostomy in 2 and ureterosigmoidostomy in 1. Postoperatively, there was no mortality and all but 1 of the autotransplanted kidneys functioned immediately. Two kidneys required removal postoperatively owing to bleeding. Currently, 20 patients are alive with functioning renal autotransplants at intervals of 1.5 to 14 years. The current serum creatinine level in these patients ranges from 1.1 to 2.2 mg. per dl., which in each case is improved or stable compared to the preoperative determination. Only 1 patient has experienced chronic bacteriuria. We conclude that renal autotransplantation provides excellent long-term treatment for patients who require ureteral replacement.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy in patients with inflammatory pseudotumor of the spleen: Report of 2 cases and review of the literature

We report 2 cases of splenic inflammatory pseudotumor treated by laparoscopic splenectomy. The first patient was a 58-year-old woman who complained of constipation. Computed tomography (CT) showed a well-demarcated mass that measured 4 cm in diameter and was not enhanced. She underwent laparoscopic splenectomy under a preoperative diagnosis of hemangioma. The final histopathologic diagnosis was inflammatory pseudotumor. The second patient was a 29-year-old man who complained of abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed a demarcated splenic tumor that measured 3 cm in diameter and was not enhanced. Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed. The pathologic and operative diagnoses were both inflammatory pseudotumor. In both cases, the postoperative course was uneventful, and the postoperative hospital stays were 10 and 11 days. Preoperative diagnosis of a splenic inflammatory pseudotumor is very difficult. However, laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and beneficial treatment for this tumor and should be performed in cases in which it is diagnosed.     

Hematological, hemorheological, immunological, and morphological studies of spleen autotransplantation in mice: preliminary results

Using a spleen autotransplantation model, we conducted hematological, hemorheological, immunological, and morphological studies in mice 6 weeks after splenectomy. Sixty male and female A/J inbred mice were equally divided into 3 groups: 1) SE group, splenectomy was performed; 2) AU group, spleen chips were autotransplanted into the omentum without vascular anastomosis following splenectomy; and 3) C group (controls), no intervention in these mice. At postoperative week 6, the following studies were performed: 1) measurement of hematological parameters; 2) hemorheological studies, including relative cell transit time (RCTT) and fibrinogen levels; and 3) activity of peripheral phagocytes, measured by zymozan-induced chemiluminescence, which was calculated in stimulation index values (SI). In addition, histological investigations of autotransplants were conducted. Erythrocyte mean cell volume and platelet counts, RCTT, fibrinogen levels, and activity of phagocytes were significantly higher in the SE group, compared to those in the C group. In the AU group, these parameters were similar to those in the C group. Morphologically, the transplanted spleen showed normal histology. These data indicate that the transplanted spleens restored their function. We conclude that spleen autotransplantation reserves the normal morphology of spleen and restores most of the spleen's hematological, hemorheological, and immunological functions. Both SI index and erythrocyte deformability can be an informative detection of decreasing splenic function. These data suggest that spleen autotransplantation may provide a useful tool to prevent complications following splenectomy in a clinical setting.     

自体脾组织移植后病理学变化的实验研究

目的　研究自体脾组织移植后不同时相点病理形态学变化规律。　方法　健康Wistar大鼠 5 6只 ,雌雄不限 ,体重 10 0～ 12 0 g ,随机分为 7组 ,每组 8只中又设脾切除自体组织大网膜内脾移植组 5只 ,假手术组 3只 ,分别于术后 7、14、3 0、60、90、12 0、180d取脾组织 ,光镜、透射电镜观察。　结果　移植脾组织之重量在术后 7d最轻 ,为 0 .0 72 g ,其后逐渐增加 ,180d时为 0 .5 11g ,各时相点之间有明显差异 (P <0 .0 5 )。病理检查提示移植脾组织经历急性期、缓解期、修复期三个病理时期 ,逐步恢复并接近正常的组织结构。　结论　自体脾组织大网膜内移植术是简便有效的脾移植方法。自体移植脾组织再生过程可分为 :急性期、缓解期与修复期     

Laparoscopic retroperitoneal live donor right nephrectomy for purposes of allotransplantation and autotransplantation

PURPOSE: We report the technique of and initial experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic live donor right nephrectomy for purposes of renal allotransplantation and autotransplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 5 patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomy of the right kidney for autotransplantation in 4 and living related renal donation in 1. Indications for autotransplantation included a large proximal ureteral tumor, a long distal ureteral stricture and 2 cases of the loin pain hematuria syndrome. In all cases a 3-port retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach and a pelvic muscle splitting Gibson incision for kidney extraction were used. In patients undergoing autotransplantation the same incision was used for subsequent transplantation. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully accomplished without technical or surgical complications. Total mean operating time was 5.8 hours and average laparoscopic donor nephrectomy time was 3.1 hours. Mean renal warm ischemia time, including endoscopic cross clamping of the renal artery to ex vivo cold perfusion, was 4 minutes. Average blood loss for the entire procedure was 400 cc. Radionuclide scan on postoperative day 1 confirmed good blood flow and function in all transplanted kidneys. Mean analgesic requirement was 58 mg. fentanyl. Mean hospital stay was 4 days (range 2 to 8), and convalescence was completed in 3 to 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: In the occasional patient requiring renal autotransplantation live donor nephrectomy can be performed laparoscopically with renal extraction and subsequent transplantation through a single standard extraperitoneal Gibson incision, thus, minimizing the overall operative morbidity. Furthermore, these data demonstrate that live donor nephrectomy of the right kidney can be performed safely using a retroperitoneal approach with an adequate length of the right renal vein obtained for allotransplantation or autotransplantation.     

腹膜后自体脾移植术在肝硬变门静脉高压症治疗中的临床研究

目的　观察腹膜后自体脾移植联合食管下段横断术治疗肝硬变门静脉高压症的临床效果。方法　将20例肝功能Child A、B级的肝硬变门静脉高压症患者随机均分为自体脾移植组和切脾组。自体脾移植组采用自体带蒂脾组织腹膜后移植联合改良的食管下段横断术,切脾组则采用脾切除联合改良的食管下段横断术。以患者术前的情况为对照,在术后2~6 个月观察患者的一般情况、脾扫描、肝功能、血清促吞噬素(tuftsin)及IgM水平。结果　术后第6天切脾组死亡1例,术后第10天脾移植组出现再出血1 例。自体脾移植组术后血清tuftsin、IgM水平高于切脾组,差异有显著性意义(P<0.01),而对肝功能无明显影响。结论　腹膜后自体脾移植能维持脾脏的基本免疫功能,且能长期存活,在临床上推广应用是可行的。     

腹腔镜脾手术110例的临床分析

目的：探讨腹腔镜睥手术的安全性及临床效果。方法：回顾分析110例腹腔镜睥手术的临床资料,包括107例腹腔镜脾切除术（laparoscopic splenectomy,LS）,1例腹腔镜副脾切除术及2例腹腔镜睥囊肿开窗术。病例构成为原发性血小板减少性紫癜（idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura,ITP）55例,遗传性球形红细胞增多症（hereditary spherocytosis,HS）33例,地中海贫血（mediterranean anemia,MA）5例,肝硬化门脉高压脾亢5例,脾囊肿3例,脾脓肿1例,脾血管瘤3例,牌淋巴管瘤2例,副脾2例,脾破裂1例。结果：108例手术成功,1例因术中脾下极血管出血中转开腹,1例因术后操作孔肌层动脉出血二次手术。1例外伤性脾破裂患者急诊行LS;3例脾囊肿患者中2例行开窗术,另1例囊肿较大,行LS。手术时间1—5h,平均2,5h。手术失血20～3000ml,平均200ml。术后排气时间为48～72h,术后平均住院5d。结论：对于部分血液病及脾脏本身病变者,在严格把握适应证的情况下,腹腔镜脾脏手术是安全有效的,且具有患者创伤小、康复快等优点。     

Laparoscopic management of the wandering spleen

Wandering spleen is a rare clinical condition associated with a high incidence of splenic torsion and infarction. The preferred treatment for this condition is splenopexy to reposition the spleen in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen and to preserve splenic function. We present two cases of wandering spleen managed by laparoscopic splenopexy. Both young women presented with intermittent abdominal pain. A CT scan was diagnostic of wandering spleen in each case. Both patients were successfully treated with the laparoscopic splenopexy. The spleen was inserted in a Vicryl mesh bag and fixed in the left upper quadrant in both cases. Both patients had resolution of their preoperative symptoms. Laparoscopic splenopexy has many advantages over open splenopexy or splenectomy, including preserving splenic function, minimal postoperative pain, early discharge from the hospital, and rapid recovery.     

Intraperitoneal splenic implants do not alter clearance of pneumococcal bacteremia

The effect of intraperitoneal splenic autotransplants was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty animals underwent total splenectomy. Splenectomy was performed in another group of 20 rats, after which the spleen was diced into 15 pieces and replaced within the leaves of the small bowel mesentery. Twelve weeks later pneumococcal bacteremia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 5 X 10(6) Streptococcus pneumoniae. Quantitative blood cultures were obtained from the tail vein 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 240 minutes after injection. Mean bacterial counts with time for animals bearing splenic autotransplants were not significantly different from completely asplenic rats. At autopsy, all animals receiving splenic implants were found to have viable splenic tissue among the leaves of the small bowel mesentery. This study shows that even allowing 12 weeks for maximal regeneration, splenic autotransplants fail to significantly alter the clearance of an established bacteremia.     

Splenic artery embolization using contour emboli before laparoscopic or laparoscopically assisted splenectomy

The present study assessed preoperative splenic artery embolization using spherical embolic material, super absorbent polymer microspheres (SAP-MS), before laparoscopic or laparoscopically assisted splenectomy. Distal splenic artery embolization using 250 to 400 microm SAP-MS was performed in nine cases with ITP and in seven cases with the other diseases with splenomegaly. Laparoscopic or laparoscopically assisted splenectomies, including a hand-assisted procedure and the procedure involving left upper minilaparotomy, were done 2 to 4 hours after embolization. Conversion to traditional laparotomy was not required in any of the 16 cases, while conversion to 12-cm laparotomy was required in one case with massive splenomegaly. Mean operating time was 161 minutes, and mean intraoperative blood loss was 290 mL. No major postoperative complications were identified, and only one patient reported postembolic pain before surgery. Preoperative splenic artery embolization using painless embolic material, SAP-MS, would be effective for easy and safe laparoscopic or laparoscopically assisted splenectomy.     

The vascular supply of splenic autotransplants.

The close opposition of blood to phagocytic cells lining the pulp cords and marginal sinus has been proposed as a contributing factor in the clearance mechanism of the spleen. The vasculature of splenic autotransplants was investigated in rats using microcorrosion casts. Six-month-old splenic autotransplants and unoperated control spleens were selectively perfused and a methyl methacrylate cast was made. Scanning electron microscopy of these corroded casts was performed. In autotransplants, the marginal zone capillary network was abnormal with the fine network of capillaries replaced by dilated blood vessels. The red pulp cords were also found to be abnormal with increased diameter and loss of the fine saccular dilations found in normal spleens. The abnormally dilated capillaries and cords in the autotransplants may decrease antigen contact with these cells and hence explain previous reports of reduced phagocytic function.