Peritoneal "pillowcase" for the displaced spleen post-distal pancreatectomy.
OBJECTIVE
Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, although rarely performed, has become an option for treatment of distal pancreatic neoplasms. However, the spleen, once mobilised, is often free to tort. A reliable method of fixing the spleen would be a useful adjunct to this procedure.


METHODS
We describe the use of a new technique to fix the spleen using a peritoneal "pillowcase" to envelop the spleen, thus preventing its torsion.


RESULTS
This patient has done well, with no problems encountered intraoperatively or postoperatively, using this new technique of spleen fixation.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a peritoneal "pillowcase" to envelope the spleen following distal pancreatectomy has proven a useful adjunct to this somewhat difficult surgical procedure. It may be applied in other cases where spleen fixation is necessary.
Appu
Sree
S
Department of Surgery, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.
Young
Amanda B
AB
Lawrentschuk
Nathan
N
D003536:Cystadenocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010180:Pancreatectomy / Q000379:methods; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013154:Spleen / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed