3D virtual rendering before laparoscopic partial splenectomy in children.
BACKGROUND
Partial splenectomy in children is a good surgical option for hematological diseases and focal splenic tumors because it allows the preservation of the spleen's immunological function. Furthermore, it can be performed by laparoscopy in children as it is a safe procedure, offering the benefits of a minimally invasive approach.


METHODS
The software VR-render LE version 0.81 is a system that enables the visualization of bidimentional 3D images with magnification of anatomical details. We have applied this system to five cases of non-parasitic splenic cysts before laparoscopic partial splenectomy.


RESULTS
The images obtained with VR rendering software permitted the preoperative reconstruction of the vascularization of the splenic hilum, allowing the surgeon safe vessel control during laparoscopic procedures. All five partial splenectomies were carried out with no complications or major blood loss.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic partial splenectomy should be a first choice procedure because it is feasible, reproducible, and safe for children; furthermore, it preserves enough splenic tissue thereby preventing post-splenectomy infections. Volume rendering provides high anatomical resolution and can be useful in guiding the surgical procedure.
Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy. mario.lima@unibo.it
Mario
M
Lima
Olivier
O
Reinberg
Giovanni
G
Ruggeri
Anthony Stephan
AS
De Buys Roessingh
Tommaso
T
Gargano
Luc
L
Soler
Mirella
M
Mogiatti
Noemi
N
Cantone
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D064847:Multimodal Imaging; D009929:Organ Size; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000379:methods*; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014584:User-Computer Interface
Augmented reality; Laparoscopy partial splenectomies; Virtual rendering