Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Splenectomy In Children: A Case Report with Literature Review
Published on: March 27, 2026
A laparoscopic approach to partial splenectomy for children with hereditary spherocytosis
S Dutta1, V E Price, V Blanchette
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
Background:
Partial splenectomy is sometimes used for children with hereditary spherocytosis (HS) to reduce hemolysis while retaining some splenic immune function. Previous reports have described a partial splenic resection through a laparotomy incision. Whereas laparoscopic total splenectomy for HS is well-established, laparoscopic partial splenectomy (LPS) has not been described. The authors have developed a novel LPS technique that combines the benefits of partial splenectomy with those of a laparoscopic approach.
Methods:
A chart review was conducted for three children with HS who underwent LPS, with approximately one-fourth of the spleen left on the basis of the short gastric arterial supply.
Results:
The mean preoperative spleen size was 17.6 cm. The mean preoperative hemoglobin count was 100 g/l, and the postoperative hemoglobin count was 133 g/l. All three patients reported reduced malaise and increased energy levels. There was no recurrent anemia at the 1- to 2-year follow-up evaluation.
Conclusion:
The LPS procedure is a safe and effective approach to HS that resolves anemia, potentially retains some splenic immunity, and confers the benefits of a minimal access technique.
