Robotic splenectomy

Περιεχόμενα

The introduction of robotic technology into the operating room is one of the most important developments of the 21st century. Considering its advantages, it has started to be widely applied in more and more medical specialties, directly treating more and more diseases. Today, the majority of General Surgery surgeries are performed robotically, including robotic splenectomy.

A few words about splenectomy surgery

A splenectomy is a surgical procedure in which the spleen is removed. More specifically, removal of the spleen is a one-way street for the treatment of conditions that cannot be treated with conservative treatment. In some cases, total removal of the spleen may not be necessary, so a partial splenectomy is performed.

The spleen (or spleen) belongs to the lymphatic system of the body, essentially helping in its defence. It also helps to strengthen the blood supply system, helping to clear the blood. After splenectomy surgery and removal of the spleen, its role is taken over by the lymph nodes and liver.

What is robotic splenectomy?

Robotic splenectomy is the evolution of laparoscopic splenectomy, since it is a method free of the disadvantages of the laparoscopic method. In particular, the operation is performed with the help of a sophisticated robotic system and is the ideal method for the treatment of difficult cases. The robotic system does not act on its own, but is operated with absolute skill by an experienced and fully qualified robotic surgeon.

In which cases is robotic splenectomy applicable?

Robotic splenectomy can be applied in all cases that require splenectomy. More specifically, splenectomy surgery is necessary to treat conditions such as:

Traumatic rupture of the spleen
Splenomegaly
Splenic abscess
Hypersplenism
Hypersplenism
Spleen neoplasms
Spleen malignancy (rare type of cancer)

Also, splenectomy surgery is indicated in cases of patients with severe hematological disorders, such as:

Sickle cell anaemia
Myeloid metaplasia
Thyeloid leukemia, hyperplasia, metallohematopoietic leukemia
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, etc.

Robotic splenectomy is particularly useful in demanding splenectomies, such as the following:

Partial splenectomy
Treatment of spleen tumors
Splenectomy in cases of cirrhosis of the liver
Malignant haematopathies etc.

Preoperative preparation before robotic splenectomy

The role of the spleen for the immune system was mentioned above, so before the surgery the patient should be adequately prepared for its safe removal. Thus, the patient undergoes a vaccination prior to the robotic surgery that includes pneumococcal, meningococcal and hemophilus influenza vaccine. The patient also undergoes a detailed preoperative check-up that includes a complete blood count, biochemical test, chest X-ray and electrocardiogram.

How is the surgery performed?

Robotic splenectomy is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Initially, 5 small incisions of no more than 1.5 cm are made and carbon dioxide is injected into the abdomen at low pressure. The robotic instruments are then inserted through the small incisions, which are operated by the surgeon sitting at the robotic console.

Together with the robotic instruments, a high-definition camera is inserted into the abdomen. This camera provides the surgeon with a three-dimensional image of the surgical field, thus facilitating his surgical manipulations. Once the robotic instruments approach the spleen, the vessels supplying it are ligated, thus minimising bleeding. Finally, the spleen is carefully removed through one of the incisions, which may be slightly expanded, and sent for histological examination.