Spleen Autotransplantation Following Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatosplenectomy and Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Context The lifelong risk of post-splenectomy overwhelming sepsis is major complication after splenectomy. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is an accepted as safe, and adequate procedure for pancreatic pathologies requiring resection of the distal part of the pancreas. However, attempts to preserve the spleen are not always successful and sometimes require unnecessary splenectomy. Spleen autotransplantation can be regarded as inducing iatrogenic splenosis in the abdominal cavity. Case report In this report, we present a case of spleen autotransplantation (about 30 g of splenic tissue) following laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and inadvertent splenectomy for benign intraductal papillary tumor of the pancreas. Conclusion This procedure may be the last option spleen preservation considered in the era of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Image: Laparoscopic view after completion of spleen autotransplantation.