title: Single incision laparoscopic splenectomy, technical aspects and feasibility considerations.
abstract: Minimally invasive techniques have been introduced to reduce morbidity related to standard laparoscopic procedures. One such approach is laparoendoscopic single-site surgery. The aim of the study was to present our initial clinical experience of using this technique for elective splenectomy. We carried out single access laparoscopic splenectomy (SALS) for an 8 cm cystic lesion of the spleen, involving the hilum, on a 38-year-old woman. The procedure was performed with a single-port device (4-channel) via a 2.5-cm umbilical incision. A flexible 5-mm optic and straight laparoscopic instruments were used. The operative time was 75 min. There was no blood loss. No complications were observed. The postoperative period was uneventful. Although substantial development of the instruments and skills is needed, this SALS technique appears to be feasible and safe. Nevertheless, further experience and observations are necessary.
authors.affiliation: General and Mini-Invasive Surgery, "San Camillo" Hospital, Trento, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cabras
authors.affiliation: General and Mini-Invasive Surgery, "San Camillo" Hospital, Trento, Italy.
authors.forename: Lazzara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fabrizio
authors.affiliation: General and Mini-Invasive Surgery, "San Camillo" Hospital, Trento, Italy ; Department of Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Umberto
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Bracale
authors.affiliation: General and Mini-Invasive Surgery, "San Camillo" Hospital, Trento, Italy.
authors.forename: Jacopo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Andreuccetti
authors.affiliation: General and Mini-Invasive Surgery, "San Camillo" Hospital, Trento, Italy.
authors.forename: Giusto
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pignata
keywords: laparoscopic splenectomy; laparoscopy; minimally invasive splenic surgery; single incision laparoscopic surgery; spleen