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Laparoscopic versus robotic subtotal splenectomy in hereditary spherocytosis. Potential advantages and limits of an expensive approach

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Abstract

Background

This study was designed to compare the laparoscopic subtotal splenectomy with the robotic approach in patients with hereditary spherocytosis.

Methods

Thirty-two consecutive subtotal splenectomies by minimal approach in patients with hereditary spherocytosis were analyzed (10 robotic vs. 22 laparoscopic subtotal splenectomies).

Results

A significant difference was found for the robotic approach regarding blood loss, vascular dissection duration, and splenic remnant size. Follow-up for 4–103 months was available.

Conclusions

Subtotal splenectomy seems to be a suitable candidate for robotic surgery, requiring a delicate dissection of the splenic vessels and a correct intraoperative evaluation of the splenic remnant. Robotic subtotal splenectomy is comparable to laparoscopy in terms of hospital stay and complication. The main benefits are lower blood loss rate, vascular dissection time, and a better evaluation of the splenic remnant volume.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Paul Cizmas, Professor at Texas A&M University, for reviewing the English language of the manuscript. The work was supported in part by the Research Grant CEEX 187/2006.

Disclosures

Drs. Catalin Vasilescu, Oana Stanciulea, and Stefan Tudor have no conflict of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 258 Fundeni Street, Bucharest, Romania

    Catalin Vasilescu, Oana Stanciulea & Stefan Tudor

Authors
  1. Catalin Vasilescu
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  2. Oana Stanciulea
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  3. Stefan Tudor
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Catalin Vasilescu.

Additional information

Catalin Vasilescu and Oana Stanciulea contributed equally to this work.

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Vasilescu, C., Stanciulea, O. & Tudor, S. Laparoscopic versus robotic subtotal splenectomy in hereditary spherocytosis. Potential advantages and limits of an expensive approach. Surg Endosc 26, 2802–2809 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-012-2249-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-012-2249-9

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