Use of a Bipolar Vessel-Sealing Device for Splenic Parenchymal Resection in Three Dogs and One Cat.

Based on splenic abnormalities noted during surgery, four client-owned animals (three dogs, one cat) undergoing exploratory laparotomy were identified as candidates for partial splenectomy. In three cases, small mass lesions of the spleen were identified on elective exploratory laparotomy. In one case, the patient was referred for emergency surgery for diaphragmatic hernia with entrapment of stomach and spleen. The discovery of avulsion of a significant portion of the splenic mesentery led to the decision to perform partial splenectomy in this case. All animals included in the study underwent partial splenectomy by one of two board-certified veterinary surgeons at a multispecialty hospital between 2014 and 2018. The same type of bipolar vessel-sealing device was used in each surgery, and three of four partial splenectomy cases recovered uneventfully. One patient went into cardiopulmonary arrest hours after surgery and died; however, this is not suspected to be due to the described partial splenectomy technique. The bipolar vessel-sealing device is suitable for use in resection of the splenic parenchyma in some canine and feline patients. This technique is designed to decrease surgical time, provide effective hemostasis, and preserve the important functions of the spleen that are lost when total splenectomy is undertaken.

Is the bipolar vessel sealer device an effective tool in robotic surgery? A retrospective analysis of our experience and a meta-analysis of the literature about different robotic procedures by investigating operative data and post-operative course.

BACKGROUND: The latest robotic bipolar vessel sealing tools have been described to be effective allowing to perform procedures with reduced blood loss and shorter operative times. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and reliability of these devices applied in different robotic procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All robotic operations, between 2014 and 2016, were performed using the EndoWrist One VesselSealer (EWO, Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA), a bipolar fully wristed device. Data, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), were collected. Robot docking time, intraoperative blood loss, robot malfunctioning and overall operative time were analyzed. A meta-analysis of the literature was carried out to point the attention to three different parameters (mean blood loss, operating time and hospital stay) trying to identify how different coagulation devices may affect them. RESULTS: In 73 robotic procedures, the mean operative time was 118.2 minutes (75-125 minutes). Mean hospital stay was four days (2-10 days). There were two post-operative complications (2.74%). CONCLUSIONS: The bipolar vessel sealer offers the efficacy of bipolar diathermy and the advantages of a fully wristed instrument. It does not require any change of instruments for coagulation or involvement of the bedside assistant surgeon. These characteristics lead to a reduction in operative time.

The THUNDERBEAT system for tissue dissection and vascular control in laparoscopic splenectomy.

The advent of new energy sources for hemostasis has greatly facilitated advanced laparoscopic procedures. We describe a straightforward technique of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) accomplished using the THUNDERBEAT™ system (TS) (Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Tokyo, Japan) as the sole means of tissue dissection and hemostasis in two patients aged 19 and 6 years, respectively. The specimens were removed intact via a Pfannenstiel incision. Total operative time was 165 and 150 min, and length of hospital stay was three and 4 d, respectively. The TS is an appealing and reliable alternative to currently available energy devices, allowing fast dissection and secure hemostasis during laparoscopic splenectomy.

Reusable single-port access device shortens operative time and reduces operative costs.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, single-port laparoscopy (SPL) has become an attractive approach for performing surgical procedures. The pitfalls of this approach are technical and financial. Financial concerns are due to the increased cost of dedicated devices and prolonged operating room time. Our aim was to calculate the cost of SPL using a reusable port and instruments in order to evaluate the cost difference between this approach to SPL using the available disposable ports and standard laparoscopy. METHODS: We performed 22 laparoscopic procedures via the SPL approach using a reusable single-port access system and reusable laparoscopic instruments. These included 17 cholecystectomies and five other procedures. Operative time, postoperative length of stay (LOS) and complications were prospectively recorded and were compared with similar data from our SPL database. Student's t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: SPL was successfully performed in all cases. Mean operative time for cholecystectomy was 72 min (range 40-116). Postoperative LOS was not changed from our standard protocols and was 1.1 days for cholecystectomy. The postoperative course was within normal limits for all patients and perioperative morbidity was recorded. Both operative time and length of hospital stay were shorter for the 17 patients who underwent cholecystectomy using a reusable port than for the matched previous 17 SPL cholecystectomies we performed (p < 0.001). Prices of disposable SPL instruments and multiport access devices as well as extraction bags from different manufacturers were used to calculate the cost difference. Operating with a reusable port ended up with an average cost savings of US$388 compared with using disposable ports, and US$240 compared with standard laparoscopy. CONCLUSION: Single-port laparoscopic surgery is a technically challenging and expensive surgical approach. Financial concerns among others have been advocated against this approach; however, we demonstrate herein that using a reusable port and instruments reduces operative time and overall operative costs, even beyond the cost of standard laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation for traumatic splenic rupture.

BACKGROUND: Laparotomy was formerly the routine approach for treating traumatic splenic rupture. Traumatic splenic rupture has traditionally been treated with open splenectomy. The advent of laparoscopy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has ushered in new approaches to this surgical problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of laparoscopic RFA to treat traumatic splenic rupture. METHODS: Four patients with traumatic splenic ruptures underwent laparoscopic RFA-assisted spleen-preserving surgery between September 2011 and April 2012. RFA electrodes were used for traumatic rupture repair or partial splenectomies using classic laparoscopic procedures. Safety and efficacy parameters were documented, including surgery time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage quantities, and recovery conditions. RESULTS: Three patients received laparoscopic splenic rupture repair and one patient received a partial splenectomy. Three surgeries were successful, based on 1-mo follow-up with computerized tomography and ultrasound examinations that indicated the restoration of satisfactory splenic blood supply. The fourth patient received a laparotomy for a total splenectomy because of massive postoperative bleeding 24 h after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic RFA-assisted spleen-preserving surgery is another modality that may be considered in the management of splenic trauma. This small sample size and limited clinical experience does not justify its use on a routine basis and requires additional clinical research to fully evaluate its efficacy in certain critical traumatic scenarios compared with traditional open splenectomy.

Single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy: preliminary experience in consecutive patients and comparison to standard laparoscopic splenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Since first being described in 2009, single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy has been described in a limited number of case reports and small case series. No studies have evaluated single-incision splenectomy in unselected patients, and outcomes of the procedure have not previously been compared to standard laparoscopy. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted to evaluate all single-incision splenectomies performed by a single surgeon between June 2010 and June 2011. Additionally, patients who underwent standard laparoscopic splenectomy by surgeons in the same tertiary referral surgical oncology group were evaluated to serve as a control group. Demographic data, operative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent successful single-incision splenectomy during the study period without conversion to an open procedure or requiring additional ports. The median operative time was 92.5 min. There was 25 % morbidity and no mortality in the study group. Median length of stay was 4 days. Additionally, 18 patients who underwent standard laparoscopic splenectomy were evaluated for comparison. No significant differences were identified in the preoperative patient characteristics between the two groups. Single-incision splenectomy was associated with a shorter operative time (92.5 vs. 172 min, p = 0.003), lower conversion rate, equivalent length of stay, reduced mortality, similar morbidity, and comparable postoperative narcotic requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Single-incision splenectomy is feasible, safe, and efficient in an unselected patient population in the hands of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. The single-incision technique is comparable to standard laparoscopic splenectomy in terms of operative time and perioperative outcomes.

Stapleless laparoscopic splenectomy with individual vessel dissection in patients with splenomegaly.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical stapling devices have been established as a mainstay in laparoscopic splenectomy (LS), but limited data are available regarding stapleless LS for splenomegaly with individual vessel dissection (IVD). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of stapleless LS for splenomegaly and its potential advantage over staple-based LS. METHODS: A total of 51 patients with splenomegaly underwent stapleless LS and were subsequently reviewed. The data collected include the patients' demographics, operative outcomes, and the rates of conversion to open surgery, complications, and mortality. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of the primary diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), and massive splenomegaly on the perioperative conversion rate. RESULTS: There were no deaths. The mean for various parameters are as follows: spleen length 21.6 cm; spleen weight 1,184 g, operating time 148 min, hospital stay 5.2 days, estimated blood loss 245 ml. The total conversion rate was 9.8 % (including one reoperation for bleeding). The presence of a BMI >30 % and hematologic malignancy-cofactors of portal hypertension (PH)-and a spleen weight >1,000 g were independent predictors of conversion to open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Stapleless LS for splenomegaly is feasible and safe in selected patients. It has advantages over traditional procedures using staples, at least in patients with benign splenomegaly. Patients with hematologic malignancy, BMI >30 %, coexistence of PH, and spleen weight >1,000 g are susceptible to bleeding during dissection of the splenic hilum, with use of IVD being relatively limited.

[Investigation on the impact of hot temperature methods of the tissue dissection and coagulation on parenchymatous organs in experiment].

There are adduced the results of experimental operations on mongrel rabbits with dissection and coagulation of the liver and the spleen, using highly temperature coagulation apparatuses of various kinds. There was established, that while application of various highly temperature technologies a typical process occurs, consisting of the heat spreading inside the organ. The temperature raising grade depends on the method and duration of the impact.

Partial pancreatectomy and splenectomy using a bipolar vessel sealing device in a cat with an anaplastic pancreatic carcinoma.

A 14-year old domestic shorthair cat was presented because of vomiting, anorexia and an abdominal mass. A diagnosis could not be made preoperative and during surgery the mass was assigned to the gastric part of the pancreas. A partial pancreatectomy and splenectomy was performed using a Ligasure® vessel sealing device. No surgery related complications occurred. Histological examination revealed an anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas. The cat was in a good clinical condition 14 days after surgery. After 2 months the cat was euthanized with the suspicion of a bone tumor. Findings of this case demonstrate that pancreatic carcinoma in cats has a poor prognosis but pancreatectomy can be performed using a bipolar vessel sealing device as a safe and fast alternative to standard surgical techniques.

[Experimental investigation of possibilities of the ultrasound and liquid-stream dissector in operations on parenchymatous organs].

The results of experimental investigations were adduced, concerning studying of possibilities and the outcomes analysis of the ultrasound and a liquid-stream dissector application while operating on parenchymatous organs. There was established, that while operating on liver, there was not any essential difference between application of the ultrasound and stream of a liquid concerning the achievement of a quality of the stroma elements isolation; while performing operations on the spleen a liquid-stream dissector have had evolved as a more effective one, permitting to isolate a significantly more quantity of unaffected elements of stroma. The hemostasis methods are the main, which influence the organs stump formation and the typical cellular structure restoration, and they must be applied, using the both methods of dissection.

Single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy using the "tug-exposure technique" in adults: results of ten initial cases.

BACKGROUND: The application of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) to splenectomy is still challenging with much room for technical improvement. The purpose of this study was to describe the tug-exposure technique, an innovative technique for performing safe single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy (SILS-Sp). METHODS: We performed SILS-Sp in ten consecutive adult patients with a variety of pathology requiring total splenectomy. A SILS™ Port with three 5-mm trocars was placed in the umbilicus as a single-access site. A flexible 5-mm laparoscope and an articulating grasper were used in addition to standard laparoscopic equipment. A cloth tape was introduced intraperitoneally to encircle and tug the splenic hilum. Both ends of the tape were extracted through an extra needle hole in the skin. Pulling the tape in appropriate directions provided excellent exposure of the splenic hilum (the tug-exposure technique). Under sufficient tension and exposure by tugging the spleen, a linear stapler was introduced for stapling and dividing the splenic hilum and the splenic artery and vein. The spleen was extracted through the umbilical wound within a retrieval bag. The umbilical wound was closed with subcutaneous sutures. RESULTS: The tug-exposure technique was successfully used in all patients and markedly improved the exposure of the splenic hilum during SILS-Sp. The median intraoperative blood loss was 15 (range 0-1,000) ml. Only one patient (10%) required conversion to open surgery. Median operative time was 230 (range, 150-378) min, the median extracted spleen weight was 260 (range, 100-580) g, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 7 (range, 4-9) days. All patients were discharged uneventfully. The umbilical incision was nearly invisible at the 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The tug-exposure technique is an innovative technique that enables easy and safe SILS splenectomy by experienced surgeons.

Single-access transumbilical laparoscopic splenectomy using curved reusable instruments.

BACKGROUND: The authors report a single-access transumbilical laparoscopic splenectomy (SATLS) performed with curved reusable instruments. METHODS: A 23-year-old female consulted for steroid-resistant idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and clinical evidence of secondary Cushing syndrome. Preoperative workup showed a normal-sized spleen and thrombocytopenia. The umbilicus was incised and a purse-string suture was applied. A reusable 11-mm trocar was inserted for a 10-mm, 30° angled scope. Curved reusable instruments (Karl Storz-Endoskope, Tuttlingen, Germany) were advanced without trocars transumbilically. After opening the splenocolic and gastrosplenic ligaments, the main splenic artery and vein were dissected off at the level of the hilum, clipped with 5-mm clips introduced transumbilically, and sectioned. Posterior splenic attachments were freed at the hilum cranially and caudally. The spleen was finally retrieved transumbilically in a plastic bag. RESULTS: Addition of supplementary trocars or incisions was not necessary. Operative time was 180 min and final umbilical scar 16 mm. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3, and after 6 months she was doing well. CONCLUSIONS: SATLS was feasible and safe to be performed using curved reusable instruments. The curves of the instruments permitted the surgeon to work in an ergonomic position, without the instruments clashing thanks to the obtained triangulation. Since only reusable instruments were used, the cost of SATLS remained similar to that of standard laparoscopy.

Laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) splenectomy with a conventional laparoscope and instruments.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We present 2 cases of laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) splenectomy performed with a conventional laparoscope and instruments, and the use of a novel internal retraction device. METHODS: One patient underwent LESS splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP), and a pediatric patient with sickle cell disease underwent LESS splenectomy and cholecystectomy. In each case, a 2-cm vertical incision was made within the confines of the umbilical ring, and a SILS port (Covidien, Norwalk CT) inserted. A 5-mm, 30-degree laparoscope and standard 5-mm instruments were used. After isolation of the splenic hilum, one 5-mm trocar of the SILS port was upsized to 12mm, and a laparoscopic stapler was used to divide the splenic artery and vein. An internal retractor consisting of a laparoscopic bulldog clamp with a hook attachment was used to retract the gallbladder, and to secure the specimen retrieval bag during splenic extraction, which eliminated the need for a fourth trocar. RESULTS: Total operative time was 160 minutes for the LESS splenectomy, and 216 minutes for the LESS splenectomy and cholecystectomy. Both procedures were successfully completed with conventional instrumentation and a SILS port, without the need for additional incisions or trocars. No complications occurred, and both patients had an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSIONS: LESS splenectomy is a feasible procedure that can be performed safely. Although articulating instruments and laparoscopes may offer advantages, they are not necessary for performing LESS splenectomy.

Use of a vessel sealant device for splenectomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To (1) describe a technique for splenic vessel hemostasis and (2) report complications and outcome after use of bipolar sealant device during splenectomy in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=27) with naturally occurring splenic disease. METHODS: Between January 2006 and March 2008, splenectomy was performed using a vessel sealant device in 27 dogs with naturally occurring splenic disease. Number of sutures needed for splenectomy and complications were recorded. Splenic artery diameter was measured using a caliper. Intraoperative hemostasis, device ease of use, postoperative hemorrhage, and short-term survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Splenectomy was performed successfully in 27 dogs with the vessel sealant device; none of the dogs required vessel ligation with suture. The splenic artery was dissected and adequately sealed in each dog. One dog was readmitted 4 days after surgery with hemoabdomen. Abdominal exploration revealed splenic pedicle hemorrhage and pancreatitis, the vessel sealant device was used to coagulate splenic pedicle bleeding. The dog was alive at suture removal. CONCLUSION: In dogs, a vessel sealant device may be used to achieve efficient and safe hemostasis of the splenic vascular pedicle without sutures.

Effectiveness of Articulating Linear Stapler for Total and Partial Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Children.

Purpose: We performed a retrospective study to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of articulating linear stapler in laparoscopic total splenectomy (LTS) and laparoscopic partial splenectomy (LPS), focusing on technical laparoscopic skills that could help pediatric surgeons to avoid intra- and postoperative complications. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of children younger than 18 years who underwent laparoscopic spleen surgery between January 2008 and March 2020. Age, sex, indication for surgery, operative time (OT), intra- and postoperative complications, and postoperative length of hospital stay (LHS) were analyzed. Data from parenchymal resection and vessels sealing techniques were obtained. Results: Thirty patients, 19 LTS and 11 LPS, were included. The mean age of the patients was 10.9 years, and 16 patients were male and 14 were female. For hematologic diseases, LTS was the elective surgery, associated with cholecystectomy in 5 cases. LPS was the common procedure for splenic cysts. The stapler was used in LTS to close the hilum vessels and in LPS for parenchymal resection. No statistically significant differences in OT were observed comparing LTS and LPS. Two conversions occurred in LTS; none in LPS. The mean LHS was 6 days in both groups. No recurrence or major complications appeared in both groups at 1-12 years of follow-up. In particular for LPS, there are no relapse of cyst neither reduction in splenic function. Conclusions: This study shows the effectiveness, feasibility, and safety of mechanic stapler in splenic surgery both for hilum vessels sealing and for parenchymal resection. The use of this device can reduce risk of hemorrhagic recurrences or major surgical complications improving the safety of the operation.

Robotic partial splenectomy for hydatid cyst of the spleen.

BACKGROUND: Primary splenic involvement is an uncommon manifestation of hydatid disease. Partial laparoscopic splenectomy can be performed with lower risks and good hematological results by preserving the immunological function of the spleen. The aim of this study was to outline the advantages of robotic partial splenectomy as a treatment for splenic hydatid cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four patients with splenic hydatidosis were treated by robotic approach. The patients included one man and three women, with a mean age of 24 years (range 16­34). The localization was in the upper pole in one case and voluminous cysts in the hilar region in the other three. RESULTS: Robotic hemisplenectomy was performed in the upper pole localized cyst and robotic subtotal splenectomy with lower pole preservation in the other three. The mean operative time was 120 min (±37 min) with a console time of 95 min (±28 min); the mean hospital stay was 5 days (±2 days). CONCLUSION: Partial robotic splenectomy seems to offer safety and all benefits of minimally invasive surgery, preserves the immune function of the spleen and allows the surgeon to conserve as much of the splenic parenchyma as possible.

Technical report on the initial cases of single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and splenectomy in children, using conventional instruments.

AIM: The authors report a technique to perform single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and splenectomy in 3 children using conventional instruments. METHODS: Three ports, including 5-mm and 3-mm ports, were placed through an infraumbilical incision for the procedure. Splenectomy was completed in most parts by crossing the 2 straight instruments. RESULTS: The 3 patients, aged 11 to 13 years, with body weight 29 kg to 32 kg, underwent the procedure. In the first patient, 2 additional extraumbilical 5-mm ports were required to complete the splenectomy. After modification of the technique, combined cholecystectomy and splenectomy by SILS were successfully performed in the other 2 patients without complications, and postoperative courses were uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: Combined cholecystectomy and splenectomy in children by SILS is technically feasible using conventional instruments. Further studies are required to investigate its safety, benefits over conventional laparoscopic surgery, and refinements in the technique.

Single port access (SPA) splenectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Over the last decade, laparoscopic splenectomy has become the standard of care for spleen removal. Elimination of a large incision and difficult exposure has decreased postoperative morbidity and length of stay. Single port access (SPA) surgery was developed as an alternative to traditional multiport laparoscopy, potentially exploiting the already proven benefits of minimally invasive surgery. We apply the SPA technique to splenectomy via a single umbilical incision. METHODS: SPA splenectomy was performed in a 36-year-old male for staging. The single-port access technique was used to gain abdominal entry. Exposure, dissection, and removal were performed via a single incision within the umbilicus. The final incision was extended for removal of a complete specimen for pathologic evaluation. RESULTS: Splenic mobilization and control of the short gastrics was successfully performed via a single umbilical incision. The final incision was extended inferiorly for en bloc organ removal. Follow-up at 18 months revealed a well-healed incision with no signs of hernia formation. CONCLUSIONS: The single-port access technique has been successfully applied to splenectomy as an available alternative to multiport laparoscopic splenectomy. Use of standard instrumentation and trocars maintains costs and familiarity of the procedure. Exposure, visualization, and dissection are the same as in standard laparoscopy. SPA surgery may be more ergonomically pleasing to the surgeon and offer patient benefits, such as faster recovery and decreased adhesion formation in the long term.

[Robotic splenectomy--a personal view]. / Splenectomia robotica.

Until now 40 robotic splenectomies were performed in our department, the first case being done on February 25, 2008. Our data show that robotic splenectomy with the DaVinci surgical system is technically feasible and safe, with good results and without complications. The main advantages are a better tridimensional view and an increased versatility of the surgical instruments. The DaVinci system allows an accurate dissection around the splenic hilum and preservation of the splenic remnant vessels in partial splenectomy. Robotic splenectomy will probably not replace the laparoscopic splenectomy for the most common indications like ITP, hemolytic anemia. It may be a very useful surgical tool in difficult splenectomy: partial splenectomy, splenectomy in liver cirrhosis, splenic tumors or malignant hemopathies. In these cases the robotic approach may shorten the operative time, decrease the blood loss and the risk of remorrhagic complications during surgery and even make possible a minimally invasive splenectomy very difficult to be performed by classical laparoscopy.