Laparoscopic splenectomy. How to make it easier using an innovative atraumatic suction grasper

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Instrumentation
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic surgery requires specialized instruments for parenchymal tissue manipulation, such as the spleen.
• Existing instruments pose a high risk of bleeding when grasping organs like the spleen.
• A need exists for devices that facilitate safe and effective spleen grasping during laparoscopic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a novel suction-cup grasper for laparoscopic splenectomy.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this atraumatic device in grasping and manipulating the spleen.
• To overcome difficulties associated with traditional laparoscopic splenectomy techniques.

Main Methods:

• Development of a cone-shaped, silicone rubber suction cup with an antislip surface.
• Integration of the suction cup with a rotatable support arm and a standard suction system.
• Insertion of the device through a 12-mm-diameter guide sheath for laparoscopic procedures.

Main Results:

• Two laparoscopic splenectomies were successfully completed using the atraumatic suction grasper.
• No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported in either case.
• The average operative time was 110 minutes, with patients discharged on postoperative days 4 and 5.

Conclusions:

• The atraumatic suction grasper is a specialized device for grasping parenchymal organs.
• It offers a faster and safer technique for laparoscopic splenectomy.
• The device effectively reduces risks associated with spleen manipulation in minimally invasive surgery.