Partial splenectomy for benign splenic cysts with the aid of a Lin clamp: technical note.

Background: Spleen-preserving procedures deserve every effort by surgeons to reduce the risk of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection. Partial splenectomy at hospitals with restricted sources remains technically demanding. We describe our method of partial splenectomy for benign splenic cysts with the aid of a Lin clamp.

Patients And Methods: Since April 2003 to August 2004, we have performed partial splenectomy with the aid of a Lin clamp on 5 suitable patients with symptomatic cysts. Detailed patient characteristics, operative variables, and outcomes were collected. Following surgery, they were regularly followed up every 6 months.

Results: All five partial splenectomies were successfully executed without any complications. The mean operating time was 75 minutes, and a mean operative blood loss of 68 ml could be achieved. With a mean follow-up of 34.4 months, no cyst recurrences were detected to date. Postoperative laboratory data, imaging studies, and clinical situations proved that the preserved splenic parenchyma maintained adequate function.

Conclusions: Partial splenectomy with the aid of a Lin clamp for benign splenic cysts is a practical method with the advantages of easy application, rapid parenchymal dissection, secure hemostasis, and cost-effectiveness. With encouraging preliminary results, further application of this method to bleeding eccentric parenchymal injuries of the spleen may be warranted.