[Robotic splenectomy--a personal view].

: Until now 40 robotic splenectomies were performed in our department, the first case being done on February 25, 2008. Our data show that robotic splenectomy with the DaVinci surgical system is technically feasible and safe, with good results and without complications. The main advantages are a better tridimensional view and an increased versatility of the surgical instruments. The DaVinci system allows an accurate dissection around the splenic hilum and preservation of the splenic remnant vessels in partial splenectomy. Robotic splenectomy will probably not replace the laparoscopic splenectomy for the most common indications like ITP, hemolytic anemia. It may be a very useful surgical tool in difficult splenectomy: partial splenectomy, splenectomy in liver cirrhosis, splenic tumors or malignant hemopathies. In these cases the robotic approach may shorten the operative time, decrease the blood loss and the risk of remorrhagic complications during surgery and even make possible a minimally invasive splenectomy very difficult to be performed by classical laparoscopy.