Spleen surgery has experienced a hundred years of controversy from "disposable organs" to functional preservation. Single-incision laparoscopic partial splenectomy (SILPS) has revolutionized the paradigm of spleen-preserving surgery. Based on the anatomical characteristics of segmental blood supply of the spleen, precise partial splenectomy can be achieved by a single concealed incision, maintaining immune and circulatory homeostasis in minimally invasive surgery. However, surgical precision in limited visual field, steep learning curve and physical limitation of surgical instruments are major barriers preventing its clinical application. In the future, robot-assisted and intelligent navigation will probably resolve these challenges, pushing spleen surgery into the era of "millimeter-level" precision and shedding light on the balance between resection and preservation.