Laparoscopic approach for isolated splenic metastasis: Comprehensive literature review and report of 6 cases

BACKGROUND: Splenic metastases are extremely unusual. The aim of this paper is to review the world experience to date concerning to laparoscopic approach for splenic metastasis, and to report ours at the Hospital de Sant Pau. METHODS: Literature review was carried out and relevant reports on laparoscopic approach to splenic metastasis were obtained. In addition, we reviewed our patient's database and retrieved the data of those who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy due to splenic involvement. RESULTS: Electronic search yielded 8 relevant articles on open splenectomy and 7 articles on laparoscopic splenectomy for splenic metastasis. During the study period, 6 patients were operated on laparoscopically. Primary neoplasms were 3 melanomas, 2 colon carcinomas, and 1 malignant fibrous histiocytoma. None of the patients had surgical complications. Outcome ranged from 2-month to 11-year survival. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach for splenic metastasis is feasible. Of course, it must be individualized in each case. Copyright © 2013 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.