Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy and azygos-portal disconnection / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the feasibility of hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy and azygos-portal disconnection. Methods Hand-assisted laparoscopy was performed in 12 patients with hypersplenia secondary to post-hepatitic hepatocirrhosis and a history of rupture and bleeding of esophago-gastric varicose vein.An ultrasound knife was used to dissect the ligaments of the spleen.The Endo-Cutter was used to cut off the pedicle of the spleen.Then the spleen was removed in a plastic bag.All of the varicose vessels around the fundus and the lower segment of the esophagus(6~8 cm in length) were dissected and disconnected according to the criteria of open surgery.Results The operation was successfully completed in 10 patients,while conversions to open surgery were required in 2 patients because of massive hemorrhage during the operation.The operating time was 2.5~5 h(mean,3.4 h) and the hemorrhagic volume was 100~500 ml(mean,250 ml).Postoperatively,1 patient experienced an intraperitoneal hemorrhage and received open surgery for hemostasis while the remaining patients had an uneventful recovery without complications.A total of 10 patients were followed for 0.5~2 years(mean,1.5 years).Four patients died of liver failure.Six patients presented small volumes of relapsed upper gastrointestinal bleeding around 1 year after operation.Gastroscopy showed portal hypertensive gastropathy in 3 patients,gastric ulcer in 1 patient,and ruptured varicose esophageal veins in 2 patients.All the 6 patients were cured by conservative medical treatment.Conclusions Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy and azygos-portal disconnection is a feasible,effective,and safe surgical procedure.