Optimizing Robotic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy: Strategies and Innovations to Enhance Safety and Efficacy

Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy by robotic surgery is a safe and feasible surgical technique. Currently, spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy represents an alternative to the classical distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, in the case of benign and low-grade malignant diseases of the body or pancreas tail. The reasons for preserving the spleen are based on the reduction of postoperative complications, such as post-splenectomy infections, subphrenic abscess, portal thrombosis, pulmonary hypertension, thrombocytosis, and thromboembolism. This procedure can be performed by completely preserving the splenic vessels (Kimura technique), not preserving the splenic vessels (Warshaw technique), or just resecting the splenic vein (Kim technique).

The robotic approach is a feasible option for this surgery, in terms of reducing postoperative pain and facilitating patient recovery without increasing the risk of pancreatic fistula, hospital readmission, morbidity, and mortality. Compared with laparoscopy, robotic surgery demonstrates a lower conversion rate and reduced splenectomy rate. This surgical technique can be technically demanding, even robotically, therefore several maneuvers are described to reduce operative difficulty and improve surgical outcomes.

The objective of this video is to provide a step-by-step guide to robotic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy surgery, highlighting tips and innovations for improved safety and effectiveness.