Laparoscopic surgery of the spleen: state of the art

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) offers superior visualization and access to the spleen and avoids the major laparotomy incision necessary in open splenectomy (OS). This review summarizes the current knowledge of laparoscopic techniques for splenectomy from the perspective of surgeons whose combined experience now totals 340 cases. BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION: While LS has been applied across the spectrum of splenic diseases, it is most indicated in treatment of a benign hematologic condition with a normal or slightly enlarged spleen as seen in autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), autoimmune deficiency syndrome-related ITP, hemolytic anemia, or spherocytosis. Both anterior and lateral approaches have been used for LS. While benefits of the anterior approach include access to the splenic artery along the superior border of the pancreas within the lesser sac, thus securing vascular control early in the procedure, the lateral approach allows for improved exposure of and access to the splenic pedicle. Also, mechanics and sequence of dissection are enhanced and more intuitive to the surgeon using the lateral approach, and the tail of the pancreas is more easily identified. Potential perioperative complications of LS include hemorrhage, injury to the tail of the pancreas, and deep vein thrombosis. The most common criticisms facing LS are the potential for missed accessory spleens, longer operating time, and greater operating room costs compared to OS. However, while LS requires a longer operating time than OS, studies indicate shorter postoperative hospital stays for LS versus OS patients in comparable cases, which can, in turn, reduce the total hospital cost for the procedure. CONCLUSION: Although LS continues to pose certain technical challenges--such as management of the massive spleen, specimen extraction, and identification of remotely located accessory spleens--its advantages over OS in terms of faster postoperative recovery, shorter hospital stay, and equivalent or lower perioperative morbidity are now well established. Indications for LS and more laparoscopic spleen-conserving surgery are likely to broaden.     

‘Use of Electrothermal Vessel Sealing with LigaSure™ Device During Laparoscopic Splenectomy’

Purpose: Main causes of conversion to open surgery are uncontrolled bleeding from splenic hilum and capsular injury of spleen during laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). We present the use of LigaSure? in laparoscopic splenectomy for hemostasis.

Material &; Method: Between January 2005 and May 2006, LS was performed in a total of 29 patients (6 male and 23 female) with a mean age of 35.44 ± 13.63. Indications for splenectomy were idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in 20 patients, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (tTp) in 2, hereditary spherocytosis (HS) in 3, lymphan-gioma in 2, hodgkin lymphoma in 1 and splenic cyst in one patient. LS was performed in the right semilateral position with three 10 mm trocars. LigaSure? was used in dissection and division of splenic ligaments and hilar vascular structures.

Results: Conversion to open surgery was necessary in one patient due to peroperative bleeding. The mean duration of the operation was 71.3 ± 19.8 minutes and the estimated blood loss was 85 ± 23 ml. The diameter and the weight of the spleen were 10.7 ± 2.68 cm and 250 ± 90 g, respectively. There was no mortality. Postoperative complications included pancreatic fistula, trocar site infection and deep venous thrombosis that were encountered in three patients. These were managed without morbidity. The overall complication rate was 10.3% (n = 3). The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 2.86 ± 1.59 days.

Conclusion: LigaSure? use in LS had easy application, provided sufficient hemostasis, and shortened the operative time.     

Intra-abdominal splenosis following laparoscopic splenectomy causing recurrence in a child with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura

In this paper, we present the case of a 12-year-old boy with refractory, symptomatic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who underwent a laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). During morcellation of the spleen the retrieval bag ruptured. Thirteen (13) months postoperatively, the patient developed further symptoms and was found to be thrombocytopenic. Tc-99m heat-damaged red blood cell scintigraphy showed an accumulation of heat-damaged red cells in the upper left quadrant, raising the possibility of missed accessory spleen. Laparoscopic exploration revealed widespread intra-abdominal splenosis, and a therapeutic omentectomy was carried out. Fourteen (14) months post-surgery, platelet counts improved and the patient remains well. Following an elective splenectomy, a relapse in ITP may be the result of missed accessory spleen or splenosis; in others, it may the result of ongoing platelet consumption in non-splenic, reticulo-endothelial tissue. During LS, consideration must therefore be given to the risk of not only leaving additional splenic tissue behind, but also to the possibility of accidental autotransplantation, such as that from laparoscopic bag rupture. The risk of rupture can be minimized by using blunt instruments and stronger bag materials. If a rupture does occur, immediate suction and a thorough search for splenic fragments must be undertaken. Further development is needed into new techniques for organ retrieval and stronger bag materials.     

Accessory spleens--diagnostic and therapeutic problem of the laparoscopic splenectomy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients

The preoperative detection of accessory spleens (AS) is essential in ITP patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reasons of failure and long-term results of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Thirty-four ITP patients (27 females and 7 males) underwent LS between June 1998 and January 2001. Computed Tomography (CT) and sonography (US) were performed preoperatively to evaluate the size of the spleen and to detect the presence of possible accessory spleens which were found in two cases. AS were seen during laparoscopy in three cases. During follow-up (median time = 23 months), in three patients a low platelet count was seen after 5 months, 1.5 and 1.8 years pop. In all these cases scintigraphy was performed, which revealed in one case the residual accessory spleen. In the two other patients, inspite of thrombocytopenia no residual spleens were found. The authors conclude that laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe and effective procedure in patients with ITP. The problem of accessory spleens can be managed by careful videoscopic examination of the abdominal cavity during splenectomy. The use of the preoperative imaging techniques for detection of accessory spleens is limited by the insufficient sensitivity of the examination.     

腹腔镜脾切除对难治性ITP治疗的应用价值

目的探讨腹腔镜脾切除术(LS)治疗难治性特发性血小板减少性紫癜(ITP)的可行性和疗效。方法回顾性分析2 0 0 2年9月—2 0 0 6年3月1 8例难治性ITP(血小板计数<5 0×1 09/L)行LS的临床资料。结果1例中转传统开腹手术。1 7例完成LS,手术时间为5 2~1 7 2m in,平均9 2m in;术中出血量3 0~5 0 0mL,平均1 0 2mL。3例术中发现副脾并切除。术后1周内血小板上升,胃肠蠕动恢复时间为1 2~2 4 h,平均住院时间为8 d。发生并发症2例(腹壁静脉刺破出血)。1 7例随访2~3 7个月,1例复发。结论腹腔镜脾切除术治疗ITP是安全可行的,且临床疗效显著。     

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 (ITP)

Background: Although the short-term benefits of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) have been well documented, long-term follow-up data of patients who have undergone LS for ITP are scarce. We report our long-term follow-up data in patients who underwent LS for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Methods: Data were obtained from a prospectively collected computer database of 52 patients who underwent LS between October 1992 and December 2000 for medically refractory ITP. Patients and their referring hematologist were contacted, and follow-up information was obtained for 45 patients. Results: Fifty-two patients (27 women and 25 men) underwent LS for ITP. Median operative time was 160 min (range, 70–335); and median blood loss was 100 cc (range, 20–1500). There were seven cases of intraoperative hemorrhage (13.7%), resulting in one conversion. A second case was converted due to inadequate working space in a patient with a 26-cm spleen. Accessory spleens were found in 17 patients (32.7%). Postoperative complications occurred in three patients (5.9%). There were no deaths. Median length of hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1–12). Follow-up data were obtained in 45 patients (86.5%), with a median follow-up of 51 months. Six patients did not respond to surgery initially, and another two patients developed recurrent disease, for a remission rate of 82.2%. Nine patients underwent a damaged red blood cell scan. This group included the two patients who suffered recurrences. A positive scan was obtained in three patients (33%), one of whom was a patient with recurrent disease. This patient underwent an uneventful laparoscopic excision of residual splenic tissue but continues to require intermittent steroids to maintain platelet counts. The two other patients with a positive scan remain in remission. Conclusions: Laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP is safe and associated with low morbidity and a short hospital stay. Long-term follow-up showed that remission rates of ITP following LS are comparable to those reported in the literature on open surgery.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy using ligasure

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative bleeding is the main complication and main cause of conversion during laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). We present the advantages of the use of the Ligasure Vessel Sealing System added to lateral approach for achieving a safe vascular control. METHODS: Ligasure is an energy-based device which works applying a precise amount of bipolar energy and pressure to the tissue, achieving a permanent seal. We have performed a total of 35 LS in a 5-year period using different approaches and methods of dissection, including the anterior approach, monopolar coagulation, clips, endostaplers, and ultrasonic shears. In the last 10 patients (4 males and 6 females, mean age 24 yr) we employed a technique with 4 trocars, right semilateral position associated with the entire dissection of the spleen and vessels sealing (lower pole vessels, main vascular pedicles, short gastric vessels) performed with Ligasure. Six had thrombocytopenic idiopatic purpura (ITP), 2 hereditary spherocytosis and one each b-thalassemia and hemolytic anemia. RESULTS: Nine LS were completed with one (10%) conversion because of hilar bleeding due to accidental injury with Ligasure. The average splenic weight was 485 g (range 265-1800), with an average diameter of 16 cm (range 12-25). In all but one patients (the converted one) the intraoperative blood loss was less than 100 mL (range 50-100 mL, average 80 mL). No blood transfusion were needed. The average operative time was 120 min (range 90-165), including 2 patients undergoing combined laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There was no mortality, with one (10%) postoperative complication (thrombosis of the spleno-portal axis), treated with a conservative approach. The average postoperative hospital stay was 3.5 days (range 3-6). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Ligasure, associated with the lateral position, results in a gain of time and safety. Furthermore, the average intraoperative bleeding of this series is very low.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy

PURPOSE: To study the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in patients with hematologic disorders requiring surgical intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 103 consecutive adult patients underwent LS between 1992 and 1997 at our teaching hospital. Data were collected prospectively. The indications for splenectomy included idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), hereditary spherocytosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. RESULTS: The mean spleen size was 14 cm (range 8.5-24 cm) and the mean weight was 263 g (range 40-210 g). Accessory spleens were detected in 12 patients with ITP and 17 patients in the study overall. In 12 patients, LS was combined with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones. There were four conversions to open splenectomy, all for hemorrhage and all occurred in the first 50 patients. We have not converted a single patient in the last 2 years. The mean operative time was 161 minutes and was greater in the first 10 cases than the last 10. There were no deaths. Postoperative complications occurred in six patients, one necessitating a second procedure for a small-bowel obstruction. The average length of stay in the hospital was 2.5 days. After surgery, thrombocytopenia resolved in 84% of patients with ITP and anemia resolved in 92% of the patients with hereditary spherocytosis. After a mean follow-up of 38 months (range 2-565 months), four patients (6%) showed a relapse of ITP, three within 12 months of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy can be performed safely and effectively in a teaching institution. LS in comparison with open surgery offers the same efficacy in the control of hematologic disease with the additional benefits of a minimally invasive approach. Laparoscopic splenectomy should therefore be considered the technique of choice and should prompt earlier consideration of surgery for patients with selected hematologic disorders.     

Technical standardization of laparoscopic splenectomy: experience with 105 cases

Background: Some reports have suggested that laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) can be successfully performed in adults. However, several aspects of this procedure remain as yet undefined; therefore, several attempts have been made to modify the standard technique to try to optimize the procedure. Herein we analyze our experience with 105 laparoscopic splenectomies. Methods: From 1993 to 2000, 105 patients underwent LS at our hospital. Twelve of these patients also underwent a concomitant cholecystectomy. There were 66 women and 39 men whose ages ranged between 4 and 78 years (median, 27.7). All patients underwent an elective laparoscopic splenectomy. Seventy five patients had thrombocytopenia (ITP), 14 had hereditary spherocytosis, eight were affected by b-thalassemia, two had splenic cysts, two had lymphoma, (two had myeloid chronic leukemia, one patient presented with a splenic abscess and one had incurred an iatrogenic spleen lesion during adrenalectomy. The first patients in this series were positioned in dorsal decubitus; however, as the team's experience increased, the right lateral decubitus became the position of choice because it provides better exposure of the splenic hilum. This procedure requires the use of only four trocars. Results: Mean operating time was 95 min (range, 35–320). Hospital stay ranged from 2 to 21 days (median, 4.5). There was only one conversion to open surgery. One patient died in the postoperative period due to the evolution of a preexisting malignant disease. We recorded nine complications—four subphrenic abscesses, two cases of pleuritis, two episodes of postoperative bleeding, and one intestinal infarction 16 days after surgery. Only two patients needed redo surgery. Conclusions: We believe that the laparoscopic approach is a valid alternative to open splenectomy, but mastery of some of the technical details of this procedure could greatly help avoid its complications. On the basis of our experience, it seems that the lateral approach should be considered the position of choice because it provides exposure and easier dissection of the splenic hilar structures. We also found that a 30° scope and an ultrasonic dissector allowed for perfect vision and optimal hemostasis during the procedure. At the end of procedure, the spleen should be fragmented and then extracted using an extraction bag.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy

Background: Intraoperative bleeding is the main complication and main cause of conversion to open surgery during laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). We present the advantages of the lateral approach and the use of the ultrasonic shears (US) for achieving a safer vascular control. Methods: We have performed a total of 48 LS using several approaches. In our initial experience 10 patients underwent surgery with an anterior approach. In the second series of 18 patients, we used a manually assisted procedure. In the last 20 patients, we employed a technique with a full lateral position. Only three ports have been used. The major part of the dissection was conducted from behind, thus allowing a safer vascular control. The division of short gastric vessels and lower pole vessels was performed using US. The main vascular pedicle was stapled. The spleen was removed through a short Pfannenstiel incision. There were 9 males and 11 females with a mean age of 36 years (range, 18–71 years). Fourteen had immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP); two had an HIV-infection-related purpura; two had an autoimmune hemolytic anemia; and two had a spherocytosis. Results: All the 20 LS were completed. The average splenic weight was 274 g (range, 162–1,400 g). In all but one patient, the intraoperative blood loss was less than 60 ml, and was none in six patients (average, 51 ml). In our initial series of 10 patients surgically treated with an anterior approach, the average blood loss was 180 ml, and it was 230 ml in the series of hand-assisted procedures. The average operative time was 127 min (range, 70–220 min), including the time required by the change of position and the Pfannenstiel incision. There was no mortality. All but one patient had an uneventful postoperative course. The HIV-infected patient had a severe postoperative pancreatitis. In those patients with an uncomplicated course, the average postoperative stay was 4.3 days (range, 2–8 days). Conclusions: The lateral position with a posterior approach to splenic vessels allows for safe vascular control. The use of US results in a gain of time and safety. The average intraoperative bleeding of this series is much lower than that observed in our previous experience and in other published series.     

腹腔镜脾切除术中的操作与显露

目的　探讨腹腔镜脾切除术 (LaparoscopicSplenectomy ,LS)手术操作和术野显露。　方法回顾分析 1999年 6月以来 11例LS临床资料 ,包括 1例肝硬化脾功能亢进和 10例原发性血小板减少性紫癜 (IdiopathicThrombocytopenicPurpura ,ITP)。　结果　 9例获得成功 ,其中 6例采取仰卧位 ,手术时间平均 3 5小时 ,术中出血平均 2 0 0ml;1例采取右侧卧位 ,手术时间 4小时 ,术中出血 80ml;2例采取右侧斜卧位 ,手术时间分别为 2 5小时和 3 0小时 ,术中出血均为 10 0ml。 1例ITP术后 6小时出现腹腔内出血而再次剖腹手术 ,2例ITP中转开腹。　结论　脾周韧带及组织的良好显露与分离和脾蒂的成功控制是腹腔镜脾切除术成功的关键。     

腹腔镜技术在脾脏切除术中的应用

目的 探讨腹腔镜脾切除术（LS）在治疗与脾脏有关疾病中的应用、手术方法及临床效果。方法 利用腹腔镜技术在CO2气腹情况下对43例需行脾切除术的患者进行手术,并对手术前后患者一般状况的改善、血小板计数的变化、并发症的出现与否及术后恢复情况等进行总结性分析。结果 43例患者全部采用LS方法完成手术,术后无并发症出现;对特发性血小板减少性紫癜（ITP）患者的有效率为89．3％;体外B超脾脏长径＞15cm者手术难度明显增加,手术时间延长。结论 只要掌握好脾切除术的手术指征及腹腔镜下的操作技巧,LS是脾脏手术的最佳方法之一。     

腹腔镜脾切除术（附8例报告）

目的 探讨腹腔镜脾切除术的可行性。方法 我院从1996年6月-2001年3月,共施行腹腔镜脾切除术8例,其中乙型肝炎后肝硬化继发脾功能亢进5例、遗传性球形红细胞增多症l例、原发性血小板减少性紫癜l例、脾淋巴管瘤l例。结果 手术成功6例,平均手术时间为4h,平均术中失血350ml,平均术后住院6d,无术后并发症。中转开腹2例。2例同时行腹腔镜胆囊切除术,l例行腹腔镜卵巢囊肿切除术。结论 腹腔镜脾切除术是一种安全可行的脾脏切除方法。     

腹腔镜脾切除术治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜

目的：探讨腹腔镜脾切除术治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜的手术安全性、可行性和临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析35例内科治疗无效的特发性血小板减少性紫癜患者行腹腔镜脾切除术的临床资料。33例成功地完成腹腔镜脾切除术。另2例在腹腔镜脾切除后脾床渗血，施行小切口脾床止血。结果：手术时间70～180min，平均4120min。术中出血量20-600mL，平均120mL。平均住院时间6．4d，无并发症发生。术后随访3～20个月，平均lO个月，19例完全有效，12例部分有效，总有效率88．6％。结论：腹腔镜脾切除术治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜安全可行、痛苦少、恢复快。     

腹腔镜脾切除术治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜

目的探讨腹腔镜脾切除术（laparoscopic splenectomy，LS）治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜（idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura，ITP）的疗效。方法头高左侧高位，常规四孔法。超声刀分离脾结肠韧带、脾胃韧带、脾肾韧带及脾膈韧带，其内血管用钛夹或Hem-o-lok结扎夹夹闭。内镜血管切割闭合器（Endo-Cutter）闭合切断脾蒂；或沿脾脏逐-分离、结扎、剪断脾动、静脉的分支，或分离出脾下极动脉和脾动静脉主干，7号丝线分别结扎，血管夹夹闭，逐-结扎、剪断其分支。脾脏放入标本袋，经扩大的trocar切口提出标本袋边，脾脏于标本袋内搅碎后取出。结果2例因术中出血中转开腹手术。26例完成LS，手术时间75～230min，平均121min；术中出血量20～350ml，平均89ml。5例发现副脾并切除。术后1～2d恢复饮食并下地活动。术后住院4～11d，平均5．3d。2例切口感染，1例切口皮下血肿，1例皮下气肿。26例LS随访2．5～62个月，平均20、5月，18例（69．2％）有效，4例（15．4％）部分有效，4例（15．4％）无效。结论LS治疗ITP安全可行、效果良好。     

New energy‐based devices in laparoscopic splenectomy: Comparison of Ligasure alone versus Ligasure and Ultracision together

Background: More effective energy‐based haemostatic devices, such as LigaSure and Ultracision, have made laparoscopic solid organ surgery, such as laparoscopic splenectomy (LS), feasible and have facilitated its advancement. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Ligasure alone or Ligasure and Ultracision together in LS. Methods: Between February 2007 and August 2010, 25 consecutive adult patients (16 male, 9 female, mean age 35 years) who underwent LS with a wide range of immune trombositopenic purpura (ITP) were studied retrospectively. The patients were evaluated in two groups. The first group of 12 patients was the LigaSure group, and the second group of 13 patients was the LigaSure + Ultracision group. The two groups were compared according to operating time, blood loss and postoperative hospital stay. Groups were well matched according to age, sex, spleen size and weight, body mass index, converting and complication rate. Results: Mean operative time was significantly shorter for the LigaSure + Ultracision group versus the LigaSure group (112.3 vs 147.5 min; P = 0.002). Mean intraoperative blood loss was slightly lower for the LigaSure + Ultracision group vs the LigaSure group, but it was not statistically significant (122.3 vs 142.5 mL; P = 0.219). There was no significant difference in mean postoperative hospital stay for both groups (2.3 vs 2.9 days; P = 0.093). Conclusion: LS must be the first choice for removal of the spleen, particularly for benign haematological disorders. One of the most important factors to achieve advanced laparoscopic surgery, such as LS, is new energy‐based devices, such as LigaSure and Ultracision. Using LigaSure and Ultracision together in LS reduces the operating time.     

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.     

腹腔镜脾切除术的临床体会(附51例报告)

目的:总结腹腔镜脾切除术(laparoscopic splenectomy,LS)的手术经验与临床体会。方法:回顾分析2005年7月至2011年7月为51例患者行LS的临床资料,其中原发性血小板减少性紫癜(idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura,ITP)38例,先天性溶血性贫血4例,遗传性球形红细胞增多症3例,门静脉高压症伴脾亢2例,外伤性脾破裂4例。结果:46例成功完成手术,5例中转手助腹腔镜手术。手术时间120～180 min,平均(150±12.1)min;术中出血量50～500 ml,平均(150±11.3)ml。术后住院3～7 d,平均(5±0.6)d,术后无并发症发生。38例ITP患者中37例血小板恢复正常,1例术后升高后又降低。结论:LS安全可行,术前准备工作、术中体位、术者与助手的配合及脾蒂处理是手术成功的关键。     

Accessory spleens: preoperative diagnostics limitations and operational strategy in laparoscopic approach to splenectomy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients

Aim The preoperative detection of accessory spleen (AS) is still a very important and serious problem. The aim of the study was to assess the reasons for failure and the long-term results of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).Method Fifty-eight ITP patients underwent LS between June 1998 and December 2002. There were 42 women and 16 men. Preoperatively, we performed computed tomography (CT) and sonography to evaluate the size of the spleen and possibly to recognize the presence of the accessory spleens, which were found preoperatively in three cases.Results Intraoperatively, ASs were found in the course of laparoscopy in six cases overall, three preoperatively false negative. During follow-up (median time 31 months), in three patients the low platelet count was recognized, respectively after 5 months and 1.5 and 1.8 years. In all those cases scintigraphy was performed and in one case the residual accessory spleen, missed both in preoperative examination and during laparoscopy, was revealed. In two other patients, in spite of thrombocytopenia, no residual spleens were found.Conclusion We conclude that the problem of accessory spleens can be managed by careful videoscopic examination of the abdominal cavity during splenectomy, while the use of preoperative imaging techniques in detection of accessory spleens is still limited by the insufficient sensitivity of the examination.