The safety and feasibility of laparoscopic partial splenectomy: analysis of perioperative indications from different vascular subtypes and improvement of surgical approach.

INTRODUCTION

While laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has been widely used in benign splenic tumor, more concerns have been raised for postoperatively short-term and long-term complications. Laparoscopic partial splenectomy (LPS) is a surgical option, to preserve splenic function, and reduce postoperative complications. The aim of our study was to retrospectively identify the safety and feasibility of LPS compared with LS in patients with splenic benign tumor.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

From 2014 to 2024, a total of 165 patients diagnosed with occupational splenic lesions underwent splenectomy, of whom 87 underwent LPS and 78 underwent LS. We compare the perioperative parameters and long term follow up between these two groups.

RESULTS

The etiology of splenic space-occupying lesions was nonparasitic splenic cysts, followed by splenic lymphangioma and splenic hemangioma. Of the patients with LPS, 55 underwent conventional surgery with blockage of the splenic arterial branch and resection along the ischemic line (RAIL), and 32 underwent with our modified total splenic blood supply blockade followed by resection alone the tumor edge (RATE). The tumor size, the operative time and estimated blood loss were comparable between the LPS and LS groups. One patient developed abnormal signs during the LPS procedure and was promptly referred for LS. The LPS group had fewer pancreatic leakage, incision infection, and pulmonary infection. As for different vascular types, patients with LS under all branches of the splenic artery had a longer time to resume postoperative feeding. As for the comparison of RAIL and RATE, estimated blood and operative time were significantly reduced in patients receiving RATE. Postoperative complications were the same in patients underwent each surgical procedures.

CONCLUSION

LPS is a viable approach for patients with splenic benign tumor. We introduce the tumor artery supply types to indicate the resection region. Our RATE technique has proven to be clinically effective and safety.