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Splenic Injury as a Complication of Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery
Ho Seong Cho1, Jeong Su Cho1, Hyo Yeong Ahn1
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan 50612, South Korea.
Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
|April 9, 2026
Summary
Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) can rarely cause splenic injury, even after discharge. Vigilance for abdominal pain post-RATS is crucial for early diagnosis and management of spleen trauma.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Complications
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Splenic injury is a rare complication of thoracic surgery.
- No cases of splenic injury have been reported following robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of splenic rupture following robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS).
- To highlight the potential for unrecognized intra-abdominal trauma during RATS.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 52-year-old woman who underwent RATS left upper lobectomy.
- Post-discharge presentation with abdominal pain and hypotension.
- Diagnostic imaging (CT) and emergent laparoscopic splenectomy.
Main Results:
- Computed tomography revealed hemoperitoneum indicative of splenic injury.
- Laparoscopic splenectomy confirmed splenic rupture.
- The patient experienced splenic rupture after RATS.
Conclusions:
- Unrecognized intra-abdominal trauma, including splenic injury, can occur during RATS.
- Surgeons must exercise caution near the diaphragm during RATS.
- Post-discharge vigilance is essential for detecting delayed complications like splenic rupture.
