Laparoscopic splenectomy for treatment of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is one of the advanced laparoscopic procedures that benefit most from minimally invasive surgery. This study was undertaken to compare the operating time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and platelet count response for patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) undergoing open splenectomy (OS) versus LS. METHODS: We performed OS in 20 cases before 1992 and LS in 14 cases after 1993 for the treatment of ITP. RESULTS: The operating time was significantly shorter for OS than for LS (126 +/- 52 min versus 203 +/- 83 min, p < 0.01). Blood loss was less for OS than for LS (321 +/- 264 ml versus 524 +/- 648 ml, p = 0.287). None of the patients who underwent LS were converted to open surgery. Accessory spleens were found in four OS patients (20.0%) and four LS patients (28.6%). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer for OS patients than for LS patients (15.2 +/- 5.8 days versus 8.9 +/- 2.9 days, p < 0.0005). No significant difference was noted in the long-term results of splenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with OS, LS required more operating time, had the potential to cause greater blood loss, had a comparable incidence of accessory spleen and response rate, and appeared to shorten the postoperative stay.     

Are the favorable outcomes of splenectomy predictable inpatients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)?

BACKGROUND: Historically, splenectomy has been an accepted procedure in the management of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). However, it is also true that the response to splenectomy in patients with ITP seems to be unpredictable. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify clinical variables that might predict a favorable response to splenectomy in patients with ITP. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively for 40 adult patients with ITP who underwent laparoscopic (LS) and open (OS) splenectomy at Emory University Hospital between 1992 and 1999. Demographics and outcomes were recorded. Age, sex, disease duration, comorbidities (ASA > 2), previous response to steroids and/or other medications, and preoperative platelet count were analyzed by univariate (t-test, Fisher's exact test) and multivariate statistical methods. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients in each group, improved platelet counts were noted in 18 patients (90%) in the LS group and 20 patients (100%) in the OS group. Follow-up (16 +/- 3 months) was obtained in 19 LS patients (95%) and 16 OS patients (80%), with 84% and 87.5% sustained response rates, respectively. After univariate analysis, two variables (age and disease duration) were found to be significantly related to the outcome of splenectomy (p 相似文献   

Splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Background: This study aimed to compare the safety, efficacy, and clinical benefits of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) to open splenectomy (OS) in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Methods: The results from 14 consecutive patients who underwent LS for ITP were reviewed and compared with the results from patients who underwent OS for the same disease. Demographics, concomitant disease on admission, and platelet counts were evaluated, as were details of the surgical procedure, postoperative physiologic status, and hospital stay. Results: Mean operative time was 88.3 min for OS and 146.4 min in LS group (p < 0.05). The conversion rate to open splenectomy was 7.1. Therapeutic response to splenectomy was 92.8% in the LS group and 86.6% in the OS group. Bowel canalization, return to liquid diet, and length of hospital stay were all significantly delayed in the OS group as compared with those who underwent LS (p= 0.01, p= 0.02, p= 0.005, respectively). In the OS group the morbidity rate was 13.3%, whereas in the LS group it was 7.1%. Conclusions: Laparoscopic splenectomy represents a valid alternative to conventional splenectomy in the treatment of ITP. Received: 10 October 1997/Accepted: 11 March 1998     

特发性血小板减少性紫癜行腹腔镜脾切除术的临床体会

[摘 要] 目的 探讨腹腔镜脾切除术治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜（idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura,ITP）的安全性和可行性。方法 回顾性分析皖南医学院第一附属医院2014年6月至2017年6月期间收治的确诊ITP患者27例,按照手术方法不同分为两组：腹腔镜组行腹腔镜脾切除术,共17例;开腹组行开腹脾切除术,共10例。观察两组手术基本情况,比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、术后通气时间、术后脾窝引流管拔除时间、术后住院天数,以及术后第1、3、7天患者外周血血小板计数。 两组患者均顺利出院,术后第7天两组患者外周血血小板计数均大于100×10 9 /L。两组手术时间、结果 术中出血量、术后第1、3、7天外周血血小板计数,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。但腹腔镜组在术后通气时间、术后脾窝引流管拔除时间、术后住院时间均较开腹组明显缩短（P<0.05）。结论 腹腔镜脾切除术治疗ITP创伤相对小、术后恢复快,安全、可行,值得临床推广。     

Laparoscopic versus open splenectomy in children

BACKGROUND: The authors have reviewed their initial experience with laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) to identify the indications, success rate, and complications associated with this procedure compared with a series of children undergoing open splenectomy (OS) during the same time period. METHODS: The records of 51 children who underwent splenectomy from 1993 through 1998 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients aged 1 to 17 years (mean, 9.4 years) underwent LS for the following indications: ITP (n = 20), sickle cell disease or thalassemia (n = 6), hereditary spherocytosis (n = 5), other hematologic disorders (n = 4). Seventeen patients aged 2 to 17 years (mean, 11.8 years) underwent OS during the same time period for ITP (n = 4), sickle cell disease or thalassemia (n = 4), hereditary spherocytosis (n = 5), and other indications (n = 4). Concomitant cholecystectomy was performed in 4 of 35 LS and 4 of 17 OS. Accessory spleens were identified in 10 of 35 LS and 2 of 17 OS cases. Eleven spleens were enlarged in the LS group, and 8 were enlarged in the OS group. One LS required conversion to an open procedure because the spleen did not fit in the bag. No other cases were converted. Median estimated blood loss was 50 mL for both the LS and OS groups. The only intraoperative complication in the LS group was a splenic capsular tear, which had no effect on the successful laparoscopic removal of the spleen. No patient in either group required a blood transfusion. The LS patients had a shorter length of hospital stay (1.8 +/- 1 versus 4.0 +/- 1 day, P = .0001). Total hospital charges were not significantly different. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 40 months. One LS patient died 47 days postoperatively from unrelated causes. Two LS patients had recurrent ITP; accessory spleens were found in one and resected laparoscopically. CONCLUSION: LS in children can be performed safely with a low conversion rate (2.9%) and is associated with a shorter hospital stay and comparable total hospital cost when compared with OS.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the treatment of choice for patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who do not respond to medical treatment. Long-term follow-up data of LS for ITP are scarce. METHODS: From May 1997 to December 2002, we performed 67 LS for patients with ITP. Data were assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: LS was successfully attempted in all 67 patients. There was no surgical mortality. Three postoperative complications (5%) were encountered. The mean operative time decreased significantly from 176.2 minutes in the first 41 cases to 125.2 minutes in the last 26 cases. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.2 days. Accessory spleens were found in 3 patients (5%) during the LS. The mean follow-up interval was 23.3 months. The initial response to LS was 83%, and overall remission of ITP was 74%. The preoperative effect of steroid therapy had no significant influence on postoperative remission rate. More significant indicators of LS effectiveness were either an immediate postoperative platelet count surge or an immediate postoperative platelet count >or=100000/microL. CONCLUSIONS: LS can be performed safely with a satisfactory remission rate for patients with ITP who do not respond to medical treatment. Our results indicated that an immediate postoperative platelet count surge and/or an immediate postoperative platelet count >or=100000/microL were positive predictors of long-term remission after LS for ITP.     

Hematological long-term results of laparoscopic splenectomy for patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case control study

Background Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) appears, when compared to open splenectomy (OS), associated with immediate important advantages. However, in a number of patients splenectomy does not lead to an adequate response, or after initial adequate response a relapse occurs after some time. A relapse may be associated to the presence of accessory spleens and splenosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the operative outcome and the hematological results on the long term of a series of LS with a historic series of OS for the treatment of ITP.Methods A retrospective review was done of 50 consecutive patients who underwent LS for ITP. Patient characteristics, outcome of surgery, and hematological results were compared to a historical group of patients who underwent conventional splenectomy for ITP (n = 31). Response to splenectomy was defined in three groups: complete remission, partial remission, and no response. Grouping was based on hematological data.Results Concerning operative outcome and postoperative complications, there was a significant difference in favor of LS. Moreover, the hematological outcome of both groups showed no differences after a median period of 66 months (OS) and 35 months (LS), respectively.Conclusions Hematological results after laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP are comparable to those after open splenectomy in both the short and the long term.     

Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Outcome and Long-term Results

The technical feasibility of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has been recently established. However, data regarding the efficacy of the procedure with long-term follow-up of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are scarce. The objective of this study was to determine retrospectively the immediate efficacy and the long-term results of a standardized laparoscopic procedure applied to patients with ITP refractory to medical treatment. Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed in 35 patients for ITP between May 1993 and May 1998. The lateral approach was used in the last 27 patients. Data were recorded retrospectively on that group. Twenty-six patients (96%) underwent successful LS. Mean operative time for the laparoscopic procedure was 90 minutes. There were no postoperative deaths. Postoperative complications developed in three patients. Thrombocytopenia resolved after surgery in 93% of patients, but 7 patients (25%) experienced relapse during a mean 28-month follow-up. At present no patient needs medical therapy to maintain a normal platelet count. Laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible and safe in patients with ITP. Long-term results of LS for ITP are comparable to those achieved with open splenectomy.     

Factors Predicting Long-term Responses to Splenctomy in Patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Background Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder for which appropriate diagnostic treatments are uncertain. The response to splenectomy varies from 60% to 90%, and the remaining patients relapse and require further treatment. Therefore, it is important to predict the outcome of splenectomy before and after surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of splenectomy in patients diagnosed with ITP. Materials and Methods From 1988 to 2004, we splenectomized 32 patients with ITP; 17 underwent laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) and 15 underwent conventional open splenectomy (OS). For analysis, patients were separated retrospectively into two groups: the “responding group,” those who showed good outcomes with splenectomy, and the “non-responding group,” those who did not show good outcomes with splenectomy. Blood samples were examined before and immediately after surgery (day 0) and on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, 5, and 7. Results The median follow-up was 8.3 years (range: 1–16 years). The overall 5- and 10-year survival rates after splenectomy were 96.9% (one death). The responding group included 24 patients (75%), and the non-responding group included 7 (21.9%). Platelet counts in the responding group increased gradually until POD 7, and although platelet counts in the non-responding group were almost constant until POD 5, they subsequently decreased until POD 7. Average platelet counts in the responding and non-responding groups were 269 and 124 × 10⁹/l on POD 7, respectively (P < 0.05). The pre- to post-surgery ratio of platelet counts were almost the same as the result of the actual data. Platelet counts during the long-term follow-up for the responding and non-responding groups were related to those noted on discharge. Conclusions A high platelet count on POD 7 was associated with a good response to splenectomy, but age at surgery, the time interval between diagnosis and splenectomy, and prior responses to corticosteroid were not. We suggest that long-term outcomes of splenectomy can easily be predicted by platelet counts on POD 7.     

Predictive factors for successful laparoscopic splenectomy in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

HYPOTHESIS: Younger patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and high preoperative platelet counts successfully respond to laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Private, tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: Sixty-seven consecutive patients undergoing LS for ITP between 1995 and 2001. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A successful response to LS was defined as a postoperative platelet count greater than 100 x 10(3)/microL without medical therapy. Failures were classified as recurrent or refractory. Patients considered refractory to surgery did not achieve a platelet count greater than 100 x 10(3)/microL without medical therapy. Patients with recurrent ITP initially achieved a platelet count greater than 100 x 10(3)/microL, but thrombocytopenia subsequently recurred. RESULTS: Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for 13 preoperative variables to identify factors predictive of success following LS. At a mean follow up of 22 months, 43 patients (64%) had a successful response to LS, 14 (21%) were refractory, and 10 (15%) developed recurrent ITP. By univariate analysis, patients responding to laparoscopic splenectomy were younger (P =.005) and had a higher preoperative platelet count (P =.005). In multivariate analysis, younger age (P =.005) and a higher preoperative platelet count (P =.007) again predicted a successful response to LS. CONCLUSIONS: A successful response to LS for ITP is expected in patients younger than 50 years and in those with preoperative platelet counts greater than 70 x 10(3)/microL. These factors can be incorporated into an equation that yields a splenectomy prediction score, which predicts the success of LS for ITP.     

腹腔镜脾切除治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜疗效及观测指标

目的：探讨腹腔镜脾切除(LS)治疗特发血小板减少性紫癜（ITP）的疗效。
方法：回顾分析采用腹腔境行脾切除治疗25例ITP患者的临床资料。
结果：所有ITP患者顺利施行LS,包括2例辅助小切口LS,无手术死亡、感染等严重并发症。平均随访3.5年（1～7年）,脾切除术后有效率80.0%（20/25例）,2年有效率72.0%（18/25例）,其中包括2例激素治疗出现胃溃疡大出血导致重度贫血及激素副作用的ITP患者。分析显示脾切除效果与患者年龄有关,≤50岁脾切效果明显优于>50岁的患者(P＜0.05)。术后随访发现脾切术后第7天血小板计数与术后2年复查血小板计数相一致,术后第7天平均血小板计数在脾切除有效者为307×109/L,明显高于脾切除无效的103×109/L（P＜0.05）。患者病程、激素治疗是否敏感、术前血小板计数均与脾切除疗效无关（P>0.05）。
结论：腹腔镜脾切除治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜安全、可行并且有效,对年龄小于50岁、激素治疗无效或需大剂量激素治疗ITP患者宜积极行腹腔境脾切除术;脾切除时患者年龄、术后第7天血小板计数可能是判断脾切除效疗的有用指标。     

Should We Routinely Transfuse Platelet for Immune Thrombocytopenia Patients with Platelet Count Less Than 10 × 109/L Who Underwent Laparoscopic Splenectomy?

Background

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is considered as the gold standard procedure for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). In many institutions, platelet counts less than 10 × 10⁹/L contraindicate LS.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of LS for ITP patients with platelet counts less than 10 × 10⁹/L.

Methods

A total of 88 cases of LS were performed for ITP patients from June 2010 to December 2012. The patients were prospectively divided into three groups based on their immediate preoperative platelet count: < 10 × 10⁹/L (group 1); 10 × 10⁹/L to 30 × 10⁹/L (group 2); and > 30 × 10⁹/L (group 3). We collected the patients’ demographic characteristics, perioperative details, and platelet count response to surgery.

Results

The patients in the three groups had comparable demographic characteristics. Only one patient in group 1 required conversion (2.4 %). The patients in group 1 experienced more blood loss than those in group 3, but this was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences between group 2 and group 3 in terms of operating time and blood loss. No statistically significant differences were found between the three groups with regard to complications and postoperative hospital stay.

Conclusions

It is safe and feasible to perform LS in ITP patients with platelet count less than 10 × 10⁹/L, without platelet transfusion. The indication for platelet transfusion during LS for ITP patients should be the bleeding manifestations due to thrombocytopenia other than low platelet count itself.     

术前血小板计数与腹腔镜脾切除术治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜疗效的关系

目的探讨术前血小板计数与腹腔镜脾切除术（LS）治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜（ITP）疗效的关系。方法回顾性分析98例有随访资料、经LS治疗ITP患者的临床资料,根据术前1d血小板（PLT）计数分为3组：Ⅰ组PLT计数〈50×10^9／L,Ⅱ组PLT计数在（50～100）×10^9／L,BI组PLT计数〉100×10^9／L。比较：,组间的手术结果指标及长期血液学疗效,定量资料比较采用单因素方差分析或秩和检验,定性资料比较采用X2或秩和检验。结果3组患者手术时间、术后48h引流量、术后第1天的PLT计数和术后住院天数的差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。中位随访时间为34．5个月,其血液学疗效有明显差异（P=0．046）。结论ITP患者术前PLT计数与LS手术结果和血液学疗效有密切关系。术前应尽量提升PLT计数,降低手术风险。     

Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Splenectomy Versus Open Splenectomy for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

The long-term outcomes of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) versus open splenectomy (OS) in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are not known. A retrospective analysis of 73 patients who underwent splenectomy (32 LS and 41 OS) for refractory ITP between April 2003 and June 2012 was conducted. LS was associated with shorter hospital stay (P = 0.01), less blood loss and blood transfusion during surgery, quicker resumption of oral diet (P < 0.0001), and earlier drain removal (P < 0.01). Conversion to OS was required in 4 patients (12.5%). Operation time was significantly longer in LS (P < 0.0001). Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was observed in 1 patient after LS and in 4 patients after OS (P = 0.52). One patient died from intraperitoneal bleeding after OS, another patient developed pulmonary embolism. Median follow-up of 36 months was performed in LS group (29 of 32, 91%) and of 46 months in OS group (35 of 41, 85%), 25 patients (86%) in LS group and 32 (91%) in OS group reached sustained complete response (P = 0.792). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the relapse-free survival rate between the groups (P = 0.777). In conclusion, the long-term outcome of laparoscopic splenectomy is not different from that of open splenectomy for patients with ITP.Key words: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Splenectomy, Laparoscopy, Postsplenic complications, Relapse-free survival rateIdiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is related to increased platelet destruction along with reduced platelet production via the specific autoantibodies and may cause a potentially life-threatening hemorrhage. Most ITP can be managed medically, yet some patients are refractory to medical agents such as prednisone, or anti-D globulin therapy,¹ and require splenectomy. Splenectomy can be performed as open splenectomy (OS) or laparoscopic splenectomy (LS).^1,2In the past decade, LS has rapidly become recognized as the gold standard for the management of nontraumatic splenic disorders, such as ITP, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and hemolytic anemia purpuras.^1–3 Systematic review studies have demonstrated a complete response or durable remission following splenectomy in 66% of adult patients with ITP.⁴ Several retrospective studies have compared the outcomes of OS and LS^1,5–7 and have shown comparable perioperative results, and the recent guidelines of the American Society of Hematology for ITP suggested that a similar efficacy is achieved with both LS and OS, the long-term efficacy of LS for this disorder is uncertain. Therefore, we have retrospectively studied 32 consecutive LS (LS group) and compared them with a historical control group of 41 consecutive OS (OS group) performed for ITP in order to compare the outcomes of LS with OS for ITP.     

Platelet count on preoperative day 1 predicts the long-term responses to laparoscopic splenectomy for Chinese patients with medically refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Background

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is regarded as a second-line treatment for medically refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), but the predictive factors for the long-term postoperative responses to ITP are still a matter of debate. We aimed to investigate the factors that can predict the long-term response after LS for Chinese patients with medically refractory ITP.

Methods

From January 2011 to September 2016, 78 Chinese patients with ITP who underwent LS were retrospectively analyzed. Twelve parameters were analyzed by univariate and multivariate methods.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that platelet count on preoperative day (PRD) 1 (P?<?0.001) and operative time (P?=?0.011) were significantly associated with long-term response of ITP after LS. Multivariate analysis revealed that platelet count on PRD 1 was a predictive factor of long-term response (P?<?0.001). Furthermore, a long-term, stable response of platelet count on PRD 1 of >?30.0?×?10⁹/L was easier to achieve than a platelet count on PRD 1?≤?30.0?×?10⁹/L after LS for ITP.

Conclusions

LS is a valuable and effective option in the treatment of medically refractory ITP. Platelet count on PRD 1 is an independent predicting factor for long-term response after LS for Chinese patients with ITP.

     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP

Background: A comparison of safety, efficacy, and cost of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) vs open splenectomy (OS) for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was performed. Methods: The records of 49 consecutive patients who underwent splenectomy for ITP (31 LS and 18 OS) at a large metropolitan teaching hospital between 3/91 and 8/95 were reviewed. Morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, operative time, blood loss, time to oral fluid intake, direct costs, and operating room (OR) costs were analyzed. Results: Age, sex, comorbidity, and spleen size were similar in both groups. LS was successful in 94% of patients in whom it was attempted. Operative times showed a learning curve for LS, with average times for the last ten cases (94 ± 35 min) significantly shorter than for the first ten (p= 0.01) and also shorter than for OS (103 ± 45 min). Postsurgical hospital stay was 2.9 ± 1.3 days for LS and 6.9 ± 3.0 days for OS (p < 0.001). Patients tolerated an oral diet 1.2 ± 0.5 days after LS and 3.2 + 0.7 days after OS (p < 0.001). Direct hospital cost was $5,509 ± 3,636 for LS and $9,031 ± 12,752 for OS. In the LS group, six patients (21%) had accessory spleens identified and removed, compared with two patients (11%) in the OS group. Platelet counts did not respond in two (7%) patients in the LS group, but no accessory spleens were identified by nuclear scan. One major complication occurred in the LS group. There were no cases of splenosis or mortality in either group. Conclusions: LS is a safe and effective treatment for ITP, with significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay than OS. Received: 26 March 1996/Accepted: 11 May 1996     

腹腔镜脾切除术治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜： 附21例报告

目的总结腹腔镜脾切除术(LS)治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜(ITP)临床疗效和血小板的各参数变化规律。方法选择21例LS治疗的ITP患者,统计手术时间、术中出血量、手术并发症发生率及病死率、随访结果。自身对比手术前后血小板计数、血小板压积、血小板平均容积、血小板分布宽度。结果平均手术时间1.5h,术中出血平均60mL,所有患者穿刺孔周围出现不同程度瘀斑,无创口延期愈合或不愈合。副脾发现率为19%。手术并发症发生率为4.8%。术后平均住院5d(4~7d),无死亡病例。血小板计数、血小板压积呈现波动性上升,血小板平均容积、血小板分布宽度呈现波动性下降。各项参数存在多点动态平衡呈现波动性调节和协同恢复过程。全部患者随访1.5~5.5年,均无复发,血小板相关抗体均在正常范围,骨髓像正常。结论根据血小板各参数恢复过程中存在的多点动态平衡呈现波动性调节和协同恢复过程选择相应的治疗方案,LS治疗ITP更加安全、有效。     

Open versus laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: clinical and economic analysis

BACKGROUND: Since 1991, laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has gained acceptance in the treatment of hematologic disorders, including idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Several studies suggest that LS provides benefits over open splenectomy (OS). However, study design flaws hinder formal technology assessment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical and administrative records of patients who underwent splenectomy for ITP between January 1995 and December 2000 to compare clinical and economic outcomes associated with LS and OS. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were identified; 42 underwent an attempted LS and 44 had OS. Preoperative patient characteristics were similar between groups. Mean operative and anesthesia times for LS and OS were 167 and 201 minutes and 119 and 151 minutes, respectively (P <.001). Overall transfusion and postoperative complication rates were similar between groups. On average, LS patients required 1.2 fewer days of parenteral analgesia and were able to tolerate a general diet 1.7 days earlier. Mean postoperative stay was 2 days lower for LS patients and mean total direct costs did not differ by surgical method (US dollars 8134 vs US dollars 8200). CONCLUSIONS: This observational study shows that LS is safe and offers advantages over OS: less postoperative pain, earlier general diet tolerance, and shorter hospital stay. These benefits are obtained at no significant additional cost.     

Cesarean section combined with splenectomy in severely resistant immune thrombocytopenia

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) associated with pregnancy often involves considerable risk both for mother and child, and usually worsens in the third trimester of gestation. Pregnancy and delivery are especially difficult in patients with severe ITP (platelet count below 20 x 10(9)/L), who are resistant to prednisone and high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIgG). In those cases we applied cesarean section (CS), to prevent intracranial haemorrhage due to fetal/neonatal ITP, and splenectomy at the same time as an effective therapeutic strategy for ITP. We present 5 patients (4 with chronic ITP and 1 with ITP associated with HIV infection), aged 21-35 years, with severe ITP (platelet count 2-10 x 109/L), resistant to prednisone (1-2 mg/kg), and 2/3 were resistant to IVIgG (0.4 g/kg x 5 d). Four patients with severe resistant ITP were supported with 1-2 doses of platelets from cell separator before CS and 1-3 dose during splenectomy. One patient increased platelet count to 55 x 109/L after treatment with IVIgG and splenectomy following CS were done without platelet transfusion. Splenectomy was performed immediately after CS in all patients, and two of them were hysterectomised (one with HIV infection). After splenectomy, platelet count was normalised in all patients, and they had no haemorrhage, wound haematoma formation or any adverse events. But ITP relapsed in 2/5 patients after 1-2 months. Two newborns had severe thrombocytopenia, which solved spontaneously after 3 days in one or after treatment with IVIgG in other. We propose that splenectomy following cesarean section should be considered as approach for delivery and treatment option for mothers with severe resistant ITP.     

Effect of spleen size on splenectomy outcome

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is gaining acceptance as an alternative to open splenectomy (OS). However, splenomegaly presents an obstacle to LS, and massive splenomegaly has been considered a contraindication. Analyses comparing the procedure with the open approach are lacking. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of spleen size on operative and immediate clinical outcome in a series of 105 LS compared with a series of 81 cases surgically treated by an open approach. METHODS: Between January 1990 and November 1998, 186 patients underwent a splenectomy for a wide range of splenic disorders. Of these patients, 105 were treated by laparoscopy (group I, LS; data prospectively recorded) and 81 were treated by an open approach (group II, OS analyzed retrospectively). Patients also were classified into three groups according to spleen weight: group A, <400 g; group B, 400-1000 g; and group C, >1000 g. Age, gender, operative time, perioperative transfusion, spleen weight, conversion rate, mode of spleen retrieval (bag or accessory incision), postoperative analgesia, length of stay, and morbidity were recorded in both main groups. RESULTS: Operative time was significantly longer for LS than for OS. However, LS morbidity, mortality, and postoperative stay were all lower at similar spleen weights. Spleens weighing more than 3,200 g required conversion to open surgery in all cases. When LS outcome for hematologic malignant diagnosis was compared with LS outcome for a benign diagnosis, malignancy did not increase conversion rate, morbidity, and transfusion, even though malignant spleens were larger and accessory incisions were required more frequently. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in malignant than in benign diagnosis (5 +/- 2.4 days vs. 4 +/- 2.3 days; p < 0. 05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with enlarged spleens, LS is feasible and followed by lower morbidity, transfusion rate, and shorter hospital stay than when the open approach is used. For the treatment of this subset of patients, who usually present with more severe hematologic diseases related to greater morbidity, LS presents potential advantages.