New partial splenectomy technique using radiofrequency ablation technology

The present case is of a patient undergoing radiofrequency-assisted partial splenectomy. A 48-year-old man was found to have a hydatic cyst in the superior pole of the spleen. A six in-line needle radiofrequency probe was applied to the spleen. The division of the splenic parenchyma was completed with a surgical scalpel through the midline of the ablated tissue. There was no bleeding. This procedure may reduce the number of splenectomies and the amount of blood transfusion required.