Minimally Invasive Partial Spleen Resection Preserving the Lower Pole in Children: A Technical Report on Feasibility and Safety.

Background: Laparoscopic partial splenectomy is a surgical option for removing part of the spleen with a pathological mass in a way that ensures preservation of the spleen's physiological functions. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of this procedure, performed while preserving the blood supply from the left gastroepiploic artery, in children. Materials and Methods: Following institutional review board approval, this retrospective study was conducted on patients who, between January 2015 and December 2019, underwent laparoscopic partial splenectomy with preservation of blood supply from the left gastroepiploic vessels. In the article, we described patient indications for surgery, surgical technique, surgery time, complications, and follow-up outcomes. Results: Eleven patients (mean age: 12.3 ± 3.4 years) underwent laparoscopic partial splenectomy. Indications for surgery included nonparasitic cysts ( n  = 8), pseudocysts ( n  = 2), and hamartomas ( n  = 1). The mean benign mass diameter was 60 ± 22 mm. The mean operative time was 193.2 ± 55.1 minutes. The mean size of the retained lower pole was 31.1% ± 3.8%. There was no conversion to open splenectomy or any significant complication. The mean postoperative stay was 9 ± 0.7 days. No thrombosis of the splenic and portal veins was noted in the follow-up period, and no splenic remnant infarction occurred. Conclusions: Laparoscopic partial splenectomy with preservation of blood supply arising from the left gastroepiploic vessels seems to be safe in children. However, a larger study is needed to confirm our results.