Splenic artery embolization before laparoscopic splenectomy

Background: This study assessed preoperative splenic artery embolization before laparoscopic splenectomy. Methods: Preoperative splenic artery embolization was used in 26 of 54 patients (48%) undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy. Between 1992 and 1994, this procedure was used in all patients with spleens shorter than 20 cm (group I), except the first two (18/20). An anterior surgical approach was used. After 1994 (group II), embolization was not used for these patients (0/26), and a lateral surgical approach was used. Throughout the study period, all patients with spleens longer than 20 cm had embolization (8/8). Results: Five complications occurred, three related to the use of small-particle embolic material (microspheres, gelatin foam powder). In group I, the conversion rate was lower than that of most current series, largely because of embolization. In group II, similar results were obtained because of experience and a better surgical approach (i.e., lateral). Conclusions: Preoperative splenic artery embolization is not necessary for spleens shorter than 20 cm. Increased experience and mostly the lateral surgical approach have permitted a shorter operation and a low conversion rate (4%) similar to the rate achieved with embolization and the anterior approach in the initial stages of the study. Embolization is used for 20- to 30-cm spleens. The conversion rate is higher (17%), and blood replacement is required frequently (83%). Despite embolization, laparoscopic splenectomy for spleens longer than 30 cm is futile at this time (100% conversion).     

Splenic cysts: a new approach to partial splenectomy

Laparoscopic partial splenectomy of a splenic cyst in a 19-year-old female patient is discussed. We successfully performed a laparoscopic partial splenectomy and achieved meticulous hemostasis using an Endo-GIA stapling device. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged on postoperative day 2. At this writing, she has been followed for 30 months without cyst recurrence. Minimally invasive surgery provides an alternative to conventional surgical procedures, with a short hospital stay and without the added morbidity of laparotomy.     

内结扎法腹腔镜脾切除术的应用解剖及技术要点

目的 探讨内结扎法腹腔镜脾切除术的应用解剖及其手术要点.方法 对41例相关血液病儿采用内结扎法进行腹腔镜脾切除术,其中遗传性球形红细胞增多症25例,特发性血小板减少性紫癜13例,脾性粒细胞减少症3例.术前用彩色多普勒血流显像探测脾蒂血管解剖类型、走行及其与胰腺的关系,并与术中所见做对比.结果 彩色多普勒血流显像显示脾蒂血管走行与胰腺的关系呈Ⅰ型24例,Ⅱ型17例;脾血管分支呈分散型31例,集中型10例,与术中记录脾血管分支类型(95%)及其与胰腺的关系(90%)基本符合.本组41例腹腔镜脾切除术均获得成功,无严重手术并发症发生.手术时间(114±31)min,出血量(51±23)ml.结论 彩色多普勒血流显像可明确脾蒂血管解剖分支类型、走行及其与胰腺的毗邻关系;用内结扎法实施腹腔镜脾切除术安全、可靠.     

An inexpensive laparoscopic gallbladder retrieval bag

Surgical Endoscopy -     

The use of liposucker for spleen retrieval after laparoscopic splenectomy

The retrieval of spleen after laparoscopic splenectomy has long been a problem. Frequently, it is necessary to extend the wound for retrieving the spleen intact and to prevent potential spillage of splenic tissue into the peritoneal cavity. We describe the application of the liposuction unit to remove the spleen piecemeal after laparoscopic splenectomy. We have found this technique easy to apply and safe, without the necessity of excessive wound extension, while preserving splenic tissue for histologic examination.     

Splenic artery embolization before laparoscopic splenectomy in children

Background This study assessed the safety and utility of preoperative splenic artery embolization before laparoscopic splenectomy in children. Methods Five young girls with a mean age of 13.2 years underwent laparoscopic splenectomies at the authors’ institution from August 1998 to April 2003. Three of the patients had idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and two had hereditary spherocytosis. Preoperative splenic artery embolization was performed the day before the surgery in all cases. The laparoscopic splenectomy was performed using traditional laparoscopic procedures and standard laparoscopic instruments with the patient in the right semilateral position. Results The mean spleen weight was 252.6 g, and the mean length was 11.6 cm. All the patients reported postembolic pain, but not to a level unmanageable by intravascular narcotics. There were no severe complications in the splenic artery embolization. The laparoscopic splenectomies were completed in a mean of 211 min, with a mean estimated blood loss of 9 ml. None of the operations required conversion to traditional open laparotomy, and none of the patients died or experienced operative complications. Conclusion The authors concluded that splenic artery embolization is safe and useful as an adjuvant procedure performed before elective laparoscopic splenectomy in children.     

Splenic torsion requiring splenectomy six years following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background:

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has become a mainstay in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, as it has proved to be a durable, well-tolerated procedure. Despite the safety and efficacy associated with this procedure, surgeons performing this advanced laparoscopic surgery should be well versed in the potential intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Methods:

A case is presented of a rare complication of splenic torsion following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Diagnostic evaluations and intraoperative findings are discussed.

Results:

We present an otherwise healthy 41-year-old woman who underwent a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication 6 years earlier at another medical center and presented with worsening chronic left upper quadrant abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with torsion of the splenic vascular pedicle, resulting in heterogenicity of perfusion with associated hematoma requiring open splenectomy.

Conclusion:

Surgeons should be aware of splenic torsion as a potential, albeit rare, complication related to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.     

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.     

Splenoportal thrombosis as a complication after laparoscopic splenectomy

Laparoscopic splenectomy is performed with increasing acceptance for hematologic disorders, with low complication rates reported. Splenoportal thrombosis following splenectomy is a rare complication, anecdotally reported after laparoscopic procedures. We here describe a case of thrombosis of the spleno-mesenteric-portal axis 14 days after a laparoscopic splenectomy using Ligasure. Abdominal ultrasound scans and Doppler examination allowed us to diagnose this event, and an angio-MR scan performed afterward confirmed the diagnosis. Heparin therapy was promptly begun. The patient was then switched to oral anticoagulant therapy, with resolution of the clinical features. The patient was discharged after 1 week of anticoagulant therapy with a stable Doppler ultrasound pattern. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of anticoagulant therapy associated with careful surgical technique may reduce the risk of this life-threatening complication.     

A simple technique for deploying a laparoscopic bag during splenectomy: two-point anchoring to the abdominal wall

BACKGROUND: The deployment of a retrieval bag during a laparoscopic splenectomy procedure may be time-consuming. A simple technique of holding the bag open is described in this paper. TECHNIQUE: A retrieval bag is equipped with two long, firm threads sutured to two preexisting tags on its opposite sides. The bag is introduced into the abdomen through the ports. By bringing the threads out of the abdomen through the abdominal wall and using one grasper, the surgeon can easily deploy the retrieval bag and hold it open. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique is easy to perform, and permits a rapid deployment and simple insertion of the spleen, while holding the retrieval bag wide open.     

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.     

Splenic phagocytic function after partial splenectomy and splenic autotransplantation

We investigated splenic reticuloendothelial activity after splenic preservation procedures to determine their effect upon the phagocytic function of the spleen. We performed the following procedures in Sprague-Dawley rats: sham laparotomy, total splenectomy, hemisplenectomy, subtotal splenectomy, or total splenectomy with intraperitoneal splenic autotransplantation. At nine weeks after operation, phagocytic function of the spleen was determined by measuring radiocolloid uptake. Mean (+/- SEM) splenic phagocytic indices for sham laparotomy (41.2 +/- 2.9), hemisplenectomy (44 +/- 2.9), and subtotal splenectomy (43.2 +/- 5.2) were similar; however, the phagocytic index was reduced markedly after autotransplantation (15.8 +/- 2.2). These data demonstrate that the phagocytic function of the spleen after hemisplenectomy and subtotal splenectomy correlates highly with the weight of the splenic remnant; however, phagocytic function after autotransplantation remains reduced even after accounting for differences in splenic weight.     

Morbidity of hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic splenectomy: a 6-year review

Background

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has several advantages over the open procedure but can be technically demanding when performed in patients with massive splenomegaly. We hypothesized that patients who undergo hand-assisted LS (HALS) may experience the benefits of LS while having their enlarged spleens removed safely.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of patients who underwent HALS or LS between January 2003 and June 2008. Evaluated parameters included intraoperative and early postoperative morbidity and mortality, conversion to open surgery, need for blood transfusion, length of postoperative hospital stay, patient demographics, diagnosis leading to splenectomy, splenic weight and number of postoperative days to resuming normal diet. Differences were analyzed while controlling for splenic weight and malignant diagnosis using multiple linear and logistic regression analysis.

Results

In all, 103 patients underwent splenectomy (23 HALS, 80 LS). Patients who had HALS were older and had larger spleens, and a greater proportion had malignant diagnoses. We observed no significant differences in morbidity, conversion to open surgery or need for blood transfusion. The mean length of postoperative stay, duration of surgery and days to resuming full diet were longer in the HALS group. No patients died. No group differences were significant after controlling for splenic weight and malignant diagnosis.

Conclusion

The morbidity associated with HALS is comparable to that with LS. The longer duration of surgery and hospital stay for HALS patients was likely related to greater splenic weight, older age and greater proportion of malignant diagnoses. Hand-assisted LS is a viable alternative to open surgery in patients with massive spleens.     

Splenic regeneration and phagocytic function after partial splenectomy in baboons

Total splenectomy, especially in children, results in diminished ability to combat infection by capsulated bacteria. It is, however, uncertain how much splenic tissue is needed to maintain this ability. In this experimental study on baboons, in situ remnants after partial splenectomy were examined to evaluate regeneration and phagocytic function after injection of dual-labelled liposomes into their splenic arterial supply. The results showed that resection of as much as two-thirds of the spleen in baboons allowed sufficient regeneration to support adequate macrophage phagocytic function.