Innovative minimally invasive pediatric surgery is of therapeutic value for splenic injury

Background/Purpose: Until now, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has not had any therapeutic status for operable splenic trauma, because reliable sealing of larger defects is not possible with general techniques. Methods: Fleece-bound sealing allows rapid, large-area sealing of erosions and defects, so that with the aid of an MIS applicator system (AMISA), this method of tissue management can be transferred to MIS. Results: An in vitro evaluation showed that liquid fibrin sealing (FS) exhibits incomplete selective leak closure and low adhesive strength (4.1 hPa) and is not suitable for challenging surfaces. Fleece-bound sealing (ready-to-use v. prepare-to-use) showed reliable sealing and higher adhesive strength for collagen fleeces that are ready coated with fibrinogen-based sealant (TachoComb H; Nycomed, Linz, Austria) compared with various carrier systems that had to be impregnated on the spot (prepare-to-use; 50.2 v 23 hPa; P < .0001). Between October 1993 and October 2001, 19 of 87 children with splenic rupture were treated with the AMISA system (AMISA TachoComb H) (21.8%), and 3 of these children had multiple trauma. The operation was indicated because of circulatory instability despite adequate volume replacement therapy. Splenic repair always was possible with the AMISA system, a changeover and splenectomy was not necessary, and the postoperative course was complication free. The mean stay in the hospital was 9.2 days. Conclusions: The AMISA system efficiently expands the indications for emergency laparoscopy arid can be used successfully in emergency laparoscopy for splenic rupture management. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.