The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of laparoscopic partial splenectomy in patients with symptomatic benign lesions. During the period from April 2017 to February 2020, a single surgeon performed 7 LPS for benign lesions. As primary endpoint, we retrospectively analyzed the patient's short-term outcome and the operative results. As secondary endpoints, we considered 6-month follow-up. Laparoscopic partial splenectomy was performed successfully in all cases, with no major complications. Thirty-day mortality was nil. No post-operative transfusions were required and the median hospital stay was 4 (range 3-5) days. The median operative time was 110 (range 75-140) min and there was neither conversion to open surgery nor need for total splenectomy. Mean blood loss was 135.7 ± 103.6 ml and no intraoperative blood transfusions were necessary. All patients recovered successfully, with significant decrease of Ca 19.9 (98.22 ± 118.10 U/mL vs. 4.78 ± 3.35 U/mL, P = 0.015) and normal platelet count (215.7 × 103 ± 42.2 × 103 per µL vs. 236.0 × 103 ± 58.3 × 103 per µL, P = 0.285) at 1-month follow-up. No cases of recurrence were detected during the 6-month follow-up. Laparoscopic splenic resection for benign lesions is a challenging but feasible procedure. This technique combines the advantages of both mini-invasive surgery and spleen preservation.
Keywords: Laparoscopic; Partial splenectomy; Splenectomy; Splenic cysts; Splenic resection.
© 2022. Italian Society of Surgery (SIC).