Laparoscopic Splenectomy with Pericardial Devascularization for Hypersplenism and Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage Due to Portal Hypertension

Hypersplenism and esophageal variceal hemorrhage caused by portal hypertension are common and serious complications of decompensated cirrhosis. In recent years, with the widespread application of various therapeutic methods such as drugs, endoscopy, splenic artery embolization, transjugular intrahepatic portal shunt, and liver transplantation, the role of surgery in the treatment of portal hypertension has gradually diminished, and the indications for surgical treatment have become more strictly defined. However, according to the clinical practice in China, surgical treatment of portal hypertension still holds an important role that other treatments cannot fully replace. In fact, surgical treatment of portal hypertension is widely performed in hospitals at all levels in China, saving numerous lives. Splenectomy combined with pericardial devascularization (SPD) is the most common surgical method for treating hypersplenism and esophageal variceal hemorrhage caused by portal hypertension. Long-term clinical practice has proven that SPD is a safe and effective treatment for hypersplenism and esophageal variceal rupture and hemorrhage due to portal hypertension. With the rapid development of laparoscopic techniques, the minimally invasive advantages of laparoscopic splenectomy combined with pericardial devascularization (LSPD) have become increasingly evident. However, the successful performance of LSPD mainly depends on the skill and proficiency of the surgeon. In this context, this article presents detailed techniques for LSPD.