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Robot-assisted Partial Splenectomy
Published on: January 2, 2026
Hand-assisted laparoscopic partial splenectomy using an endopath monopolar sealer.
Keiichi Okano1, Keitaro Kakinoki, Hironobu Suto
1Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan. kokano@kms.ac.jp
Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy & Percutaneous Techniques
|December 8, 2011
Summary
Hand-assisted laparoscopic partial splenectomy offers a safe and bloodless surgical option. This technique preserves spleen function, reducing infection risk in select patients.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Partial splenectomy preserves splenic immune function, preventing postsplenectomy infections.
- Laparoscopic total splenectomy is established, but laparoscopic partial splenectomy faces technical challenges.
- The hand-assisted technique enhances visualization, retraction, and hemostasis in solid organ resections.
Observation:
- A hand-assisted laparoscopic partial splenectomy was successfully performed using an endopath monopolar sealer.
- Tactile feedback enabled safe isolation and division of segmental splenic arteries and veins.
- The endopath monopolar sealer facilitated splenic parenchyma dissection and sealing.
Findings:
- The procedure resulted in a nearly bloodless surgical field during parenchymal transection.
- The average parenchymal transection time was approximately 15 minutes.
- Hand-assisted laparoscopy proved effective for managing splenic vasculature and parenchyma.
Implications:
- This technique makes partial splenectomy a safe and bloodless option for select patients.
- It supports spleen preservation strategies to mitigate postsplenectomy infection risks.
- The hand-assisted approach may increase the adoption of laparoscopic partial splenectomy.
