The Alexis® system for laparoscopic splenectomy in pediatric patients

The laparoscopic splenectomy in pediatric patients is performed worldwide but often the disproportion between size of patients and size of organs requires an extra laparotomic access for spleen removal. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Alexis ® system to retrieve the spleen without additional laparotomic access. The charts of all patients who underwent splenectomy at our center during the last 5 years were retrieved. In all the cases the Alexis ® system was placed in the umbilicus, thru which a 10 mm camera was inserted. Three additional 5 mm standard trocars were inserted. Seven patients, affected by spherocytosis (3), epidermoid cyst (2), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (2) and thalassemia (1), underwent laparoscopic splenectomy at a median age of 10 years (range: 8–17). Median patients’ weight was 32.5 kg (range: 25–71) and spleen size 15 cm (11–18). In all the cases, upon removal of the camera, the retrieval bag was inserted thru the umbilicus under direct view, the spleen retrieved, morcellated, and removed. No conversion nor enlargement of one of the ports nor an extra laparotomic access were required. The patients were discharged on the fifth post-operative day and the cosmetic results were excellent. Removal of the spleen can be safely performed without any additional laparotomy thru the Alexis ® system placed in the umbilicus. This system is effective also in case of major patient/organ size disproportion and the final cosmetic aspect is excellent.