Modified Vagus Nerve-preserving Laparoscopic Splenectomy and Azygoportal Disconnection

The modified vagus nerve-preserving procedure was performed in the following order: (1) left gastroepiploic vein along greater curvature; (2) the posterior surface of stomach, including the posterior gastric veins; (3) the left lateral surface of the distal esophagus; (4) the left inferior phrenic veins; (5) the posterior surface of the distal esophagus;(6) the anterior surface of the distal esophagus; and (7) the right lateral surface of the distal esophagus. The hepatogastric ligament was conserved. the adherent junction between visceral peritoneum and the right crural diaphragm, and divided it into the lesser omental sac. The left gastric artery and vein and the posterior gastric veins were transected en bloc using a linear laparoscopic vascular stapler.