Laparoscopic splenectomy in a rat model: developing an easy technique

Laparoscopic surgery in small-animal models provides insight into basic physiopathological aspects of laparoscopy. However, laparoscopic work in small animals entails precise skill and long operative times. We present an easy and shorter three-trocar procedure (two of 5 mm and one of 2 mm) for splenectomy in a rat model. Miniature instruments (2-mm forceps, 3-mm endoscope, and 5-mm endoapplier) were used. Forty laparoscopic splenectomies were attempted. The operative time was 30 +/- 4 minutes. There was no postoperative mortality, and scintigraphy ruled out the presence of residual splenic tissue. Laparoscopic splenectomy in a rat is feasible. When using experimental laparoscopic models for splenectomy, an easy technique is of great importance in order to avoid cumbersome manuevers that can cause rupture of the splenic capsule and cell spillage or postoperative bleeding. The development of surgical laparoscopic instruments with thinner devices (5-mm endoclip appliers and 2-mm ports and instruments) facilitates the procedure and permits a significantly shorter operative time.