ROBOT-ASSISTED SPLENIC ARTERY ANEURYSMECTOMY WITH SPLEEN PRESERVATION AND VASCULAR RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Introduction: da Vinci surgical System allows an easier and faster surgery in challenging abdominal procedures such as retroperitoneal and vascular procedures. We present a case of a distal splenic artery aneurysm treated with the use of the da Vinci Si robotic platform, with vascular anastomosis and spleen preservation. Methods: A 67-years old man with a CT scan finding of an aneurysmal dilatation of the distal splenic artery underwent surgery with the use of the da Vinci Si surgical system. The patient was placed in a right sided position. Results: The enhanced dexterity of the robotic system allowed to easily perform the distal splenic artery aneurysmectomy, despite the presence of intense adhesions with the tail of the pancreas. The procedure was successfully completed in 170 min. The vascular end-to-end anastomosis was carried out with 5/0 interrupted of gore-tex sutures. The spleen was preserved. No conversion or intra-operative complications occurred. The postoperative course was uneventful and an abdominal ultrasound scan showed a normal flow in the splenic artery. The patient was discharged four days after surgery. Conclusions: The da Vinci Surgical System can be safely used in the surgical treatment of a splenic artery aneurysm. The enhanced surgical dexterity offered by the robotic system allows spleen preservation, a fine and accurate vascular dissection and makes suturing easier