Splenectomy versus splenic preservation in total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing survival benefits and short-term complications.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing debate regarding the comparative merits of splenectomy (SP) and splenic preservation in the surgical management of gastric cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to shed light on potential differences in survival outcomes and postoperative complications associated with these two procedures. METHOD: An exhaustive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, namely PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. We utilized a random-effects model via RevMan 5.4 software to conduct a meta-analysis of the hazard ratios (HRs) and risk ratios (RRs) associated with SP and spleen preservation. Subgroup analyses were based on various attributes of the included studies. We employed funnel plots to assess publication bias, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to gauge the stability of the combined results. Both funnel plots and sensitivity analysis were performed using Stata 12. RESULT: Our research incorporated 23 observational studies and three randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 6,255 patients. SP did not yield superior survival outcomes in comparison to splenic preservation, a conclusion that aligns with the combined results of the randomized controlled trials. No statistically significant difference in survival prognosis was observed between SP and splenic preservation, irrespective of whether the patients had proximal gastric cancer or proximal gastric cancer invading the stomach's greater curvature. SP exhibited a higher incidence of all postoperative complications, notably pancreatic fistula and intraabdominal abscesses. However, it did not significantly differ from splenic preservation in terms of anastomotic leakage, incision infection, intestinal obstruction, intra-abdominal bleeding, and pulmonary infection. No significant difference in postoperative mortality between SP and splenic preservation was found. Funnel plots suggested no notable publication bias, and sensitivity analysis affirmed the stability of the combined outcomes. CONCLUSION: Despite the lack of significant differences in certain individual complications and postoperative mortality, the broader pattern of our data suggests that SP is associated with a greater overall frequency of postoperative complications, without providing additional survival benefits compared to splenic preservation. Thus, the routine implementation of SP is not advocated.

When doctors perform surgery for gastric (stomach) cancer, they sometimes remove the spleen, a procedure known as splenectomy (SP). However, there's a debate on whether removing the spleen is better than preserving it. Our study aimed to compare these two methods in terms of patient survival and the risk of complications after surgery. To do this, we looked at data from 26 studies involving 6,255 patients. Our analysis was thorough, using advanced statistical methods to ensure accuracy. Here's what we found: patients who had their spleen removed did not live longer than those who kept their spleen. Whether the cancer was just in the upper part of the stomach or had spread to the nearby large curve of the stomach, the survival rates were similar for both groups. Patients who underwent SP faced more postoperative complications, especially issues like pancreatic fistula and intra-abdominal abscesses. However, for some complications like leakage from the surgical joint, infection of the wound, bowel obstruction, internal bleeding, and lung infections, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The chances of dying post-surgery were similar whether patients had their spleen removed or not. Our findings suggest that routinely removing the spleen during gastric cancer surgery does not improve survival rates and is linked to more postoperative complications. Therefore, it may be better to avoid removing the spleen unless absolutely necessary.

"Kimura-first" strategy for robotic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy: experiences from 61 consecutive cases in a single institution.

BACKGROUND: Robotic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (RSPDP) is an ideal procedure for benign and low-grade malignant tumors in the distal pancreas, and two splenic preservation techniques (the Kimura and Warshaw techniques) can be used for RSPDP. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the "Kimura-first" strategy for RSPDP and to investigate the risk factors affecting the preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels. METHODS: The electronic medical records of patients who underwent robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) between October 2016 and December 2019 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors influencing preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels during RDP. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients scheduled for RSPDP who received RDP were included in this study [Kimura technique, 41 patients; Warshaw technique, 11 patients; and robotic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (RDPS), 9 patients]. The overall splenic preservation rate with RDP was 85.2% (52/61). The preservation rate of splenic vessels with the Kimura technique with RSPDP was 78.8% (41/52). The RSPDP group had remarkably less estimated blood loss (EBL; median 50 vs. 300 mL, P=0.000) and a lower morbidity rate (13.5% vs. 44.4%, P=0.047) than the RDPS group. The logistic regression models showed that obvious splenic vessel compression by the tumor was an independent risk factor for splenic vessel preservation with RSPDP (OR 0.021, 95% CI: 0.002-0.271, P=0.003) and RDP (OR 0.019, 95% CI: 0.002-0.176, P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The "Kimura-first" strategy is feasible and safe for RSPDP, with high rates of splenic and splenic vessel preservation. Obvious splenic vessel compression by the tumor can be used as a predictor of splenic vessel preservation with planned RDP.

True learning curve of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel preservation.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is generally the treatment of choice for diseases of the pancreatic body and tail. Most surgeons prefer the spleen- and splenic vessel-preserving technique (SPVP-LDP) in benign/borderline pancreatic disease because complications of splenic infarction and gastric varices can arise after Warshaw technique. This study was aimed to determine the true learning curve of the SPVP-LDP procedure not LDP including Warshaw technique. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from all patients who underwent a LDP between June 2007 and April 2017 at Gangnam Severance Hospital. We used cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) analysis to assess the learning curve for the SPVP-LDP technique. RESULTS: Eight-three patients were performed LDP and we excluded patients who underwent robotic approach (N = 10) and open conversion DP (N = 8). Patients who underwent SPVP-LDP procedures were categorized into Group 1 (primary end-point). Those who underwent LDP procedures with splenectomy and the Warshaw technique were categorized into Group 2. We found that the 16th case was the cutoff point and the mean length of hospital stay was 13.0 days in the first period and 8.7 days in the second period (p = < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that the frequency of SPVP-LDPs had increased and that technological progress had been made over time. The true learning curve for SPVP-LDP was indicated as 16 cases in a group of surgeons with no experience of laparoscopic pancreatic surgery.

Tips and tricks of splenic vessel preservation during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: While a laparoscopic approach can minimize postoperative morbidity in splenic vessel preserving (SVP) distal pancreatectomy (DP), this procedure can be technically challenging. A systematic approach to SVP minimizes the chances of vascular injury and maximizes the chances of successful splenic preservation. This video demonstrates a laparoscopic DP with SVP, highlighting technical tips and tricks that optimize the chances for SVP. PATIENT: The patient is a 14-year-old male with an incidentally discovered pancreatic tail mass. CT imaging demonstrates a 4.5 cm well-circumscribed tumor with the typical solid and cystic components of a solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPPT). Since SPPT is a rare pancreatic tumor associated with excellent prognosis following surgery, upfront minimally invasive DP with SPV was considered the optimal approach in this young patient. Following successful surgery, the postoperative course was uneventful. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of a pT3N0. SPPT with negative margins. TECHNIQUE: Here we demonstrate a systematic approach to maximize the changes of SVP in DP. This approach, as demonstrated in the video, includes optimal patient and port positioning, dissection to optimize exposure of the distal splenic vessels, techniques to minimize vascular trauma especially splenic venous trauma, as well as supplemental measures to ensure postoperative patency of splenic vessels following completion of the case. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic approach may maximize the changes of successful SVP, while avoiding postoperative complications such as splenic infarct, left-sided portal hypertension or overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis.

Association between pediatric blunt splenic injury volume and the splenectomy rate.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: While pediatric trauma centers are shown to have lower splenectomy rate as compared to adult trauma centers, it remains unknown whether other institutional factors such as case volumes would have an impact on the splenectomy rate in pediatric blunt splenic injury (BSI). METHODS: Pediatric patients who sustained BSI were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank 2007-2014. A hierarchical logistic regression model was built to evaluate differences in risk-adjusted splenectomy rate and in-hospital mortality in between trauma centers with different pediatric BSI case volumes. RESULTS: A total of 7621 children who met criteria were treated at trauma centers with different pediatric BSI case volumes (0-60, 61-120, 121-180, 181-240 cases during 2007-2014 for Group 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). High volume centers were shown to have decreased splenectomy rates (odds ratios [OR] 0.50 and 0.64, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.30-0.83, 0.44-0.95 for Groups 3 and 4, respectively) with an additional survival benefit in Group 4 (OR 0.452, 95%CI 0.257-0.793) when compared to the lowest volume centers (Group 1). CONCLUSIONS: Higher pediatric BSI case volume was associated with lower splenectomy rate with an additional survival benefit. Trauma centers' volume in pediatric BSI may be an important factor for the improved splenic preservation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

Case-matched study of lesser versus greater curvature approach in laparoscopic Warshaw pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: In laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LapDP), the pancreas is accessed in a greater curvature approach (GCA). The lesser curvature approach (LCA) has been proposed in underweight patients. The study investigated the feasibility of LCA irrespective of the body mass index (BMI). METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive patients scheduled to undergo LapDP with the LCA. A matched cohort (1:1) underwent GCA. Spleen preservation was performed using the Warshaw technique. Splenic perfusion was intraoperatively assessed by indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. RESULTS: The LCA with LapDP was successful in 12/15 patients. In 2 cases, LCA had to be converted to GCA and in 1 patient to open surgery. The cohorts were well matched in sex (P = 1.0), age (P = .67), indication (P = 1.0), and median BMI (23.4 kg/m2 vs 24.8 kg/m2, P = .41). Splenic preservation was achieved in 14/15 patients with LCA and 4/15 patients with GCA (P = .33). In all LCA cases, ICG angiography indicated sufficient spleen perfusion. The groups had similar morbidity (P = 1.0) and hospital stay (P = .74). CONCLUSIONS: LCA was feasible in 80% irrespective of BMI and provided an excellent field of exposure. ICG angiography was feasible in the Warshaw technique. Its reliability should be evaluated in prospective studies.

Comparison of different methods of splenic hilar lymph node dissection for advanced upper- and/or middle-third gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) often includes dissection of splenic hilar lymph nodes (SHLNs). This study compared the safety and effectiveness of different approaches to SHLN dissection for upper- and/or middle-third AGC. METHODS: We retrospectively compared and analyzed clinicopathologic and follow-up data from a prospectively collected database at the Peking University Cancer Hospital. Patients were divided into three groups: in situ spleen-preserved, ex situ spleen-preserved and splenectomy. RESULTS: We analyzed 217 patients with upper- and/or middle-third AGC who underwent R0 total or proximal gastrectomy with splenic hilar lymphadenectomy from January 2006 to December 2011, of whom 15.2 % (33/217) had metastatic SHLNs, and from whom 11.4 % (53/466) of the dissected SHLNs were metastatic. The number of harvested SHLNs per patient was higher in the ex situ group than in the in situ group (P = 0.017). Length of postoperative hospital stay was longer in the splenectomy group than in the in situ group (P = 0.002) or the ex situ group (P < 0.001). The splenectomy group also lost more blood volume (P = 0.007) and had a higher postoperative complication rate (P = 0.005) than the ex situ group. Kaplan-Meier (log rank test) analysis showed significant survival differences among the three groups (P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis showed operation duration (P = 0.043), blood loss volume (P = 0.046), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.005), and N stage (P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for survival. CONCLUSIONS: The ex situ procedure was more effective for SHLN dissection than the in situ procedure without sacrificing safety, whereas splenectomy was not more effective, and was less safe. The SHLN dissection method was not an independent risk factor for survival in this study.

VIPoma pancreático tratado com pancreatectomia distal e preservação esplênica com ligadura da artéria esplênica / Pancreatic VIPoma treated with distal pancreatectomy and splenic preservation with ligature of splenic artery

O VIPoma é um tumor neuroendócrino de baixa malignidade derivado das células das ilhotas não-beta do pâncreas, apresenta incidência de 1:10.000.000 pessoas na população e sua localização mais comum é no corpo e cauda do pâncreas. Seu tratamento curativo é cirúrgico, sendo geralmente realizada a pancreatectomia distal com esplenectomia. O caso relatado foi o de uma paciente do sexo feminino, de 31 anos, diagnosticada com VIPoma pancreático. O tratamento realizado foi a pancreatectomia distal com preservação esplênica e ligadura da artéria esplênica. A preservação esplênica diminui a morbidade perioperatória, sem prejudicar o resultado oncológico nos tumores de baixo grau de malignidade.

VIPoma is a low grade malignancy neuroendocrine tumor derived from non-beta pancreatic islet cells, it has an incidence of 1:10.000.000 individuals in the general population and its commoner location is in the body and tail of the pancreas. The curative treatment is surgery, and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy is usually the employed technique. The case reported was of a female patient, 31 years-old, diagnosed with pancreatic VIPoma. The chosen treatment was distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation and ligature of the splenic artery. Splenic preservation reduces the perioperatory morbidity, with no prejudice to the oncologic effect in the low grade malignancy tumors.

Laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy for benign or premalignant pancreatic neoplasms: a two-center comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the peri-operative outcomes for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) and open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) for benign or premalignant pancreatic neoplasms in two institutions. METHODS: This prospective comparative study included 91 consecutive patients who underwent LDP (n=45) or ODP (n=46) from Jan. 2010 to Dec. 2012. Demographics, intra-operative characteristics, and post-operative outcomes were compared. RESULTS: The median operating time in the LDP group was (158.7±38.3) min compared with (92.2±24.1) min in the ODP group (P<0.001). Patients had lower blood loss in LDP than in the ODP ((122.6±61.1) ml vs. (203.1±84.8) ml, P<0.001). The rates of splenic conservation between the LDP and ODP groups were similar (53.3% vs. 47.8%, P=0.35). All spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomies were conducted with vessel preservation. LDP also demonstrated better post-operative outcomes. The time to oral intake and normal daily activities was faster in the LDP group than in the ODP group ((1.6±0.5) d vs. (3.2±0.7) d, P<0.01; (1.8±0.4) d vs. (2.1±0.6) d, P=0.02, respectively), and the post-operative length of hospital stay in LDP was shorter than that in ODP ((7.9±3.8) d vs. (11.9±5.8) d, P=0.006). No difference in tumor size ((4.7±3.2) cm vs. (4.5±1.8) cm, P=0.77) or overall pancreatic fistula rate (15.6% vs. 19.6%, P=0.62) was found between the groups, while the overall post-operative complication rate was lower in the LDP group (26.7% vs. 47.8%, P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: LDP is safe and effective for benign or premalignant pancreatic neoplasms, featuring lower blood loss and substantially faster recovery.

Distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation: A short-term outcome analysis of the Warshaw technique.

INTRODUCTION: Spleen-preserving left pancreatectomy (SPDP) with splenic vessels preservation (SVP) or without (Warshaw technique, WT) has been described with robotic, laparoscopy and open surgery. Nevertheless, significant data on medium- and long-term follow-up are still not available, since data in literature are scarce and the level of evidence is low. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we describe and compare short and medium term results of spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy in eight patients. RESULTS: In WT group the duration and the intraoperative bleeding was superior than SVP group. The incidence of perigastric collateral vessels and presence of submucosal varices evidenced at CT scan was 66% in WT group, while only one case occurred in SVP group. DISCUSSION: The limit of laparoscopic approach is the fact that it needs advanced laparoscopic skills, which might result in intraoperative bleeding and splenectomy. The most of literature considered salvage WT intraoperatively performed in case of classical SVP and not only elective WT. The consequence is that there is no difference in immediate postoperative results (operative time, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay) that are in favour of SVP because WT is performed only in case of failure in preserving the splenic vessels. In fact when this intervention is performed electively, the procedure time is reduced as well as the intraoperative bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: WT is safe and feasible, even if there are not definitive evidences that demonstrate it is superior to classic SVP. RCTs are needed to determine advantages and disadvantages of WT compared to the classic SVP.

Toward a standard technique for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy? Synthesis of the 2013 ACHBT Spring workshop.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is currently a commonly performed procedure. Twenty-five retrospective studies comparing laparotomy and laparoscopy have dealt with the feasibility of this approach for localized benign and malignant tumors. However, these studies report several different techniques. The aim of this review was to determine if a standardized procedure could be proposed. Based on the literature and the experience of surgeons in the French Association of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation (ACBHT-Association française de chirurgie hépato-biliaire et de transplantation hépatique), we recommend primary control of the splenic artery, use of linear staplers for pancreatic transection, splenic vein control either at its end or its origin, and, depending on local conditions, preservation of the splenic vessels when splenic preservation is envisioned. Current data do not allow establishment of any definitive recommendations as to the ideal site of pancreatic transection, operative patient position, or the direction of dissection, which mainly depends on local practices. Control of the splenic vein remains the critical point of this procedure, and impacts the intra-operative strategy.

Application of radiofrequency ablation for splenic preservation.

BACKGROUND: Traditional splenic preservation surgery involves considerable difficulties, high risks, and numerous postoperative complications. In this study, we applied radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to splenic preservation and explored its clinical value. METHODS: The clinical data of 129 patients with traumatic splenic rupture who received surgery in our hospital from September 2008-June 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the operation methods, these patients were divided into three groups: 35 patients received splenic preservation surgery with RFA-assisted technique (RFA + suture repair group), 78 patients received splenic preservation surgery without RFA (traditional operation group), and 46 patients received splenectomy (splenectomy group). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative-related parameters of the former two groups were compared. The postoperative complications and immunologic parameters of patients with preserved spleens were compared with those of patients who underwent splenectomy. RESULT: In the RFA + suture repair group, 34 cases successfully underwent splenic preservation surgery. Meanwhile, 49 cases successfully underwent spleen preservation surgery in the traditional operation group. RFA + suture repair group had shorter mean operation time (79 ± 22 versus 119 ± 26 min, P < 0.05), less bleeding during surgery (115 ± 67 versus 235 ± 155 mL, P < 0.05), and less intraoperative transfusion (14% versus 36%, P < 0.05). The postoperative bleeding and hospital-stay duration were remarkably lower than those in the traditional operation group (100 ± 52 versus 219 ± 93 mL and 7.1 ± 1.4 d versus 11.7 ± 2.8 d, respectively, P < 0.05). The spleen-preserving patients showed better results than the splenectomy group did for some parameters related to complications and immunology. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with traditional splenic preservation, RFA is simple and feasible, and it can greatly benefit the spleen preservation operation.

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic neoplasms: a retrospective study.

AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics, technical procedures, and outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) for benign and malignant pancreatic neoplasms. METHODS: The clinical data of 38 patients who underwent LSPDP in the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between January 2003 and August 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Surgical techniques for LSPDP included preservation of the splenic artery and vein (Kimura's technique) and ligation of the splenic pedicle with preservation of the short gastric vessels (Warshaw's technique). RESULTS: There were no conversions to open surgery in the 38 patients. Splenic vessels were conserved during spleen-preserving pancreatectomy, except in two patients who underwent resection of the splenic vessels and preservation only of the short gastric vessels. The mean operation time was 123.2 ± 52.4 min, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 78.2 ± 39.5 mL, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.6 ± 2.9 d. The overall rate of postoperative complications was 18.4% (7/38), and the rate of clinical pancreatic fistula was 13.2% (5/38). All postoperative complications were treated conservatively. The postoperative pathological diagnoses were 22 cases of benign pancreatic disease and 16 cases of borderline or low-grade malignant lesions. During a median follow-up of 38 mo (range: 5-133 mo), no recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: LSPDP is a safe, feasible and effective procedure for the treatment of benign and low-grade malignant tumors of the distal pancreas.

Conducta conservadora ante el traumatismo esplénico / Conservative behavior in case of splenic traumatism

INTRODUCCIÓN. El bazo es el órgano que más frecuentemente se lesiona en los traumatismos abdominales. Fueron objetivos de este trabajo describir la conducta conservadora ante el traumatismo esplénico y determinar su frecuencia en el Hospital Pediátrico Juan Manuel Márquez, centro provincial de atencion al niño politraumatizado, donde se preconiza esta conducta por los beneficios que ofrece la preservación del bazo a la función inmunolópgica. MÉTODOS. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo con 36 pacientes con traumatismo esplénico que fueron tratados de forma conservadora teniendo como criterio principal la estabilidad hemodinámica del paciente. Se analizó edad, sexo, causa de lesión esplénica, lesiones asociadas, tratamiento conservador realizado, complicaciones y estadía hospitalaria. RESULTADOS. El traumatismo esplénico estuvo presente en el 66,6 por ciento de los traumatismos abdominales. Las causas más frecuentes fueron los accidentes de tránsito (50 por ciento), seguidos de las caídas desde alturas (33 por ciento). En el 89 por ciento de los pacientes se siguió una conducta conservadora: en el 88 por ciento de los casos se aplicó tratamiento médico conservador y en el 11 por ciento, métodos quirúrgicos de conservación esplénica. CONCLUSIONES. Todas las lesiones ocurrieron por traumatismos contusos. Las técnicas quirúrgicas utilizadas fueron dos esplenorrafias y una esplenectomía parcial. No hubo fallecidos y las complicaciones fueron mínimas, por lo que consideramos que la conducta conservadora del traumatismo esplénico es una modalidad de tratamiento segura en la infancia

INTRODUCTION. The spleen is the more frequent involved organ in the abdominal traumata. The aims of present paper were to describe the conservative behavior in case of splenic traumatism and to determine its frequency in the Juan Manuel Márquez Children University Hospital, provincial children center of care for poli-traumatism child, where this type of behavior is emphasized due to benefits offered by spleen preservation to the immunologic function. METHODS. A retrospective study was conducted in 36 patients presenting with splenic traumatism treated in a conservative way taking into account as main criterion the hemodynamic patient's stability. The age, sex, cause of splenic lesion, associated lesions, and conservative treatment, applied complications and hospital stay. RESULTS. Splenic traumatism was present in the 66,6 percent of abdominal traumata. The more frequent causes were the road accidents (50 percent), followed by falls from heights (33 percent). In the 89 percent of patients there was a conservative behavior: in the 88 percent a conservative medical treatment was applied and in the 11 percent surgical methods of splenic conservation were used. CONCLUSIONS. Total of lesions occurred due to bruise traumatisms. Surgical techniques used were two splenorrhaphies and a partial splenectomy. There were not deceased and complications were minimal, thus, we considered that conservative behavior of splenic traumatism is a safe treatment modality in childhood

Technique for laparobotic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of spleen.

Minimally invasive surgery for pancreas has advanced at a steady pace in recent years. Although proximal pancreatic resection is still a formidable task, distal resection has become routine with a laparoscopic approach. The recent introduction of the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System has helped to make this complex procedure much more feasible, efficient, and safe. In this paper, we describe our technique for robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation, which can be broken down into five steps in a medial-to-lateral progression. Preservation of splenic vessels is routine, although in certain instances a Warshaw's technique is employed. The advantages of the robotic approach are described.

Injuries to the Spleen.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal organs, most commonly the spleen and liver, are injured in 40-50% of polytraumatized patients. Because of its important immunological functions, preservation of the injured spleen is of paramount importance. METHODS: There are both conservative and surgical approaches to preservation of the spleen in trauma cases. Of the techniques available for this purpose, tissue adhesives, coagulation, partial resection, and mesh splenorrhapy are the most suitable. RESULTS: Nonoperative management is a worthwhile option in hemodynamically stable patients. The decisive factor for successful conservative management is the degree of injury. We find that the manner in which heparin is administered plays an important role. Tissue adhesives are commonly used with good success with superficial lacerations. Coagulation techniques are also suitable for organ conservation with grade I and II injuries. Splenorraphy with resorbablemesh is the method of choice with the deep lacerations as it permits rapid and permanenthemostasis. If an injury only involves one pole or one half of the spleen, resection of that part of the organ is an option. Partial resection with a stapler is advisable for speed and effectiveness. Total fragmentation or separation of the hilus is treated with an immediate splenectomy, saving the tail of the pancreas. CONCLUSION: In trauma cases, every attempt should be made to save the spleen. If splenectomy cannot be avoided, the splenectomized patient should be immunized against pneumococcus and be informed of his/ her resultant immune deficiency.

Preservação do baço na pancreatectomia distal por trauma / Distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation in traumatic injuries of pancreas

OBJETIVOS: A esplenectomia simplifica a pancreatectomia distal no trauma mas tem o inconveniente de aumentar a vulnerabilidade do paciente às infecções. O objetivo é avaliar se a preservação do baço na referida cirurgia é exeqüível e segura. MÉTODOS: A preservação do baço foi feita em 52 pacientes (48 por cento) entre 108 submetidos à pancreatectomia distal. Quarenta e cinco (86,5 por cento) do sexo masculino e sete (13,5 por cento) do sexo feminino. Idade variou de seis a 42 anos com média de 22,1 anos. Trauma penetrante foi a causa da lesão em 35 (67 por cento) com 27 (77 por cento) por arma de fogo e oito (23 por cento) por arma branca. Contusão foi responsável pela lesão em 17 (33 por cento). RESULTADOS: Não houve óbito. Fístula pancreática ocorreu em seis (11,5 por cento) pacientes; coleção subfrênica em seis (11,5 por cento); pancreatite em dois (3,8 por cento); abcesso de parede em quatro (8 por cento); pneumonia em quatro (8 por cento). Quarenta pacientes tiveram lesões associadas. O ISS médio foi de 19,3. O baço apresentava lesão em 13 pacientes. Sete foram submetidos à esplenorrafia e seis à ressecção parcial. Em 51 pacientes o baço foi conservado com os vasos esplênicos. Em um caso foi feita a ligadura proximal e distal dos vasos esplênicos (técnica Warschaw). Permanência hospitalar média de 12 dias. CONCLUSÃO: A pacreatectomia distal com preservação do baço mostrou ser segura nos pacientes estáveis, mesmo na presença de lesões associadas. A ausência de óbitos e a participação de cirurgiões em fase de treinamento confirmam sua segurança.

OBJECTIVES: Splenectomy simplifies distal pancreatectomy in trauma but has the inconvenience of increasing vulnerability to infection. The objective of this study is to assess whether spleen preservation in the aforementioned surgical procedure is feasible and safe. METHODS: Spleen preservation was performed in 52 patients (48 percent) of 108 undergoing distal pancreatectomy. Forty-five (86.5 percent) were males and 7 (13,5 percent) were females. The mean age was 22.1 years, varying from 6 to 42 years. Penetrating trauma was the cause of injury in 35 cases (67 percent), 27 of which (77 percent) due to gunshot wounds and 8 (23 percent) due to stab wounds. Blunt trauma was the cause of injury in 17 cases (33 percent). RESULTS: There were no deaths. Pancreatic leaks occurred in 6 (11.5 percent) patients, fluid collection in the splenic fossa in 6 (11.5 percent), pancreatitis in 2 (3.8 percent), surgical wound abscesses in 4 (8 percent) and pneumonia in 4 (8 percent) patients. Forty patients had associated injuries. The average ISS was 19.3. The spleen was injured in 13 patients. Seven underwent splenorrhaphy and 6 required partial splenic resection. The spleen and splenic vessels were preserved in 51 patients. In one case, proximal and distal ligation of the splenic vessels (Warschaw technique) was performed. Hospital stay averaged 12 days. CONCLUSION: Distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation was shown to be a safe procedure in stable patients, even with associated injuries. The absence of deaths and the co-participation of surgeons in training confirms the safety of this procedure.