Laparoscopic partial splenectomy with temporary occlusion of the trunk of the splenic artery in fifty-one cases: experience at a single center.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic partial splenectomy (LPS) for splenic benign space-occupying lesions has been reported by many researchers; however, few studies have described methods to control intraoperative bleeding. Trustworthy experience in LPS with a satisfactory intraoperative hemorrhage control technique is therefore necessary. The current study aims to present our experience in LPS with temporary occlusion of the trunk of the splenic artery for controlling intraoperative bleeding with a large sample of 51 cases and to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and reproducibility of this technique.

METHODS

Fifty-one patients from August 2014 to April 2019 who underwent LPS in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical techniques were described in detail.

RESULTS

All patients had successfully undergone LPS with temporary occlusion of the trunk of the splenic artery. Conversions to open surgery, hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomies, or blood transfusions were not needed. The operative time was 94.75 ± 18.91 min, the estimated blood loss was 71.13 ± 53.87 ml, and the volume of resected spleen was 34.75 ± 12.19%. The range of postoperative stays was 4-14 days. One female patient (2%, 1/51) suffered from postoperative complications. No perioperative mortality, incision infections, postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs), splenic infarctions, or portal/splenic vein thromboembolic events occurred.

CONCLUSION

LPS is an effective spleen-preserving surgery. Although there are many other bleeding control methods, temporarily occluding the trunk of the splenic artery was found to be a safe, feasible, and reproducible technique in LPS. The outcomes of this technique and the efficacy of splenic parenchyma preservation are acceptable.