[Laparoscopic splenorraphy using a resorbable prosthesis in splenic injuries. Apropos of 5 cases]

The aim of this retrospective study is to report five cases of laparoscopic splenorraphy with an absorbable perisplenic mesh for splenic injury.

From January 1996 to February 1998, three men and two women (mean age: 52 years) were included in this study. The splenic lesions were due to either a fall (n = 3), a traffic accident (n = 1), or pleural paracenthesis in a patient with mediastinitis after valvular replacement. Splenic injury was recognized by ultrasonography. The patients were operated as either emergency cases (n = 2), or within 24 hours (n = 3). The procedure included evacuation of the hemoperitineum, total liberation of the spleen, and splenic hemostasis with a perisplenic mesh which was used in open surgery. The mesh placed behind the spleen, covering its superior and inferior poles, was unrolled forwards and burses progressively tightened.

There was no conversion, no mortality, no morbidity. In the four injured patients, the mean duration of surgery was 120 minutes (70-180), without any blood transfusion, and the patients were discharged on d4 or 5. The fifth patient, after valvular replacement, was operated on with anticoagulation. The mean duration of surgery was 270 minutes. Four blood units were necessary. He was discharged at d26.

This technique combines the advantages of the perisplenic mesh which is efficient and safe, with the advantages of laparoscopic surgery which simplifies the postoperative course. It can only be used in case of isolated splenic injury in patients with stable hemodynamic condition.