A novel spleen-preserving laparoscopic technique using radiofrequency ablation in a porcine model

Abstract

This study demonstrates the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of laparoscopic RFA-assisted partial splenectomy. The RFA-assisted laparoscopic partial splenectomy adds a novel technique to the surgeon's armamentarium for the preservation of a part of the spleen.

Radiofrequency-assisted partial splenectomy: Histopathological and immunological assessment of the splenic remnant in a porcine model

“…It seems that the radiofrequency energy can achieve haemostasis on the splenic tissue quite efficiently and faster than the conventional technique. This is in accordance with previous experiments [29].…”

Video-Assisted Lung Resection Using Radiofrequency Ablation in a Porcine Model

“…RFA-assisted parenchymal dissection has been used in the surgery of other organs in the past. In experimental laparoscopic settings RFA-assisted liver and spleen resection were proven to be effective and safe [4,5]. More recently the technique has been applied in liver surgery on humans with results comparable to ultrasonic dissection [6,7].…”

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided application of a new internally gas-cooled radiofrequency ablation probe in the liver and spleen of an animal model: a preliminary study

“…The spleen has an abundant vascularity and has a tendency to bleed during surgical maneuvers and trauma; however, it is an important organ and surgeons are looking for new methods of preserving part of the spleen and of performing partial splenect− omy particularly in some situations such as trauma, benign tu− mors, Gaucher's disease, and hypersplenism. Few studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and effective− ness of RF−assisted partial splenectomy based on the capability of RF to coagulate the abundantly vascularized spleen [22,23]. Percutaneous RF thermal ablation has been described for the treatment of a splenic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma and, even if further studies are necessary to evaluate its safety and efficacy, it seems to be a promising minimally invasive treat− ment for splenic focal disease [9].…”