Robot-assisted partial and total splenectomy.

BACKGROUND

The interest of robotics in performing partial and total splenectomy is poorly reported so far. We report herein our experience.

METHODS

From November 2001 to November 2009, 24 consecutive robotic splenectomies were performed by the same surgeon. All data were prospectively collected and reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Twelve men and 12 women with a median age of 48 years underwent a robotic splenectomy, three of which were partial splenectomies. The indications were: ABO incompatibility for kidney transplantation (n = 7), haematological disease (n = 7) and miscellaneous pathologies (n = 10). Mean operative time was 199 ± 65 min. Median blood loss was 75 (range 5-300) ml. There was one intraoperative complication and two conversions. The postoperative morbidity was 8.3% with no mortality. Median hospital stay was 5.5 days.

CONCLUSIONS

This series reports the safety and feasibility of robotic partial and total splenectomy. Its use as an alternative to the standard laparoscopic approach is particularly beneficial in more challenging cases.