Robotic partial splenectomy for hydatid cyst of the spleen

Abstract

Background: Primary splenic involvement is an uncommon manifestation of hydatid disease. Partial laparoscopic splenectomy can be performed with lower risks and good hematological results by preserving the immunological function of the spleen. The aim of this study was to outline the advantages of robotic partial splenectomy as a treatment for splenic hydatid cysts.

Materials and methods: Four patients with splenic hydatidosis were treated by robotic approach. The patients included one man and three women, with a mean age of 24 years (range 16–34). The localization was in the upper pole in one case and voluminous cysts in the hilar region in the other three.

Results: Robotic hemisplenectomy was performed in the upper pole localized cyst and robotic subtotal splenectomy with lower pole preservation in the other three. The mean operative time was 120 min (±37 min) with a console time of 95 min (±28 min); the mean hospital stay was 5 days (±2 days).

Conclusion: Partial robotic splenectomy seems to offer safety and all benefits of minimally invasive surgery, preserves the immune function of the spleen and allows the surgeon to conserve as much of the splenic parenchyma as possible.