Massive splenomegaly is associated with significant morbidity after laparoscopic splenectomy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of spleen weight on operative and clinical outcome in a series of 108 consecutive laparoscopic splenectomies. BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy as an alternative to open splenectomy for splenomegaly is regarded as controversial. METHODS: Patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for a range of hematological disorders between November 1992 and February 2000. Multiple linear and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the effect of massive splenomegaly (>1000 g) on perioperative mortality and morbidity, after adjusting for the joint effects of patient age, weight, pre- and postoperative full blood counts, operating time, estimated blood loss, conversion rate, reoperation rate, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: Massive splenomegaly was recorded in 27 of 108 (25%) cases. In this group, splenic weight ranged from 1000 to 4750 g (median, 2500 g). Patients with splenic weight >1000 g had a significantly longer median operating time (170 vs. 102 minutes, P < 0.01), conversion rate (5/27 vs. 4/81, P < 0.05), postoperative morbidity (15/27 vs. 4/81, P < 0.01), and median postoperative stay (5 vs. 3 days, P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis found splenic weight to be the most powerful predictor of morbidity (P < 0.01). Patients with splenomegaly (>1000 g) were 14 times likely to have post operative complications. One patient died 3 days after surgery, following a pulmonary embolus (spleen weight 500 g, mortality 1/108, 0.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible in patients with giant spleens. However, it is associated with greater morbidity, and the advantages of minimal access surgery in this subgroup of patients are not so clear.     

经腹腔镜脾切除治疗重度以上脾肿大的疗效观察

目的 探讨重度以上脾肿大经腹腔镜脾切除的安全性和有效性.方法 对1995年1月至2011年9月间行脾切除术的患者进行回顾性调查.定义脾上下极长度≥17cm或重量≥600 g为重度脾肿大,脾上下极长度≥22 cm或重量≥1600 g为巨脾.结果 行腹腔镜脾切除术22例,开腹脾切除术21例,其中巨脾患者行腹腔镜脾切除术与开腹脾切除术分别为12例和14例.与开腹脾切除术相比,巨脾患者腹腔镜脾切除术具有术中出血少( 308 ml vs 400 ml,P=0.24),术后住院时间短(3 dvs4.5d,P=0.054)和相似的并发症发生率(17 ％vs 14％),但手术时间较长(195 minvs 105 min,P=0.008),中转开腹率25％.所有行开腹脾切除术患者中再手术2例,1例死亡.结论 重度以上脾肿大经腹腔镜脾切除手术预后优于开腹手术.经腹腔镜脾切除术与手助腹腔镜脾切除预后相当.     

Comparative treatment and literature review for laparoscopic splenectomy alone versus preoperative splenic artery embolization splenectomy

Background

Although laparoscopic splenectomy has been gradually regarded as an acceptable therapeutic approach for patients with massive splenomegaly, intraoperative blood loss remains an important complication. In an effort to evaluate the most effective and safe treatment of splenomegaly, we compared three methods of surgery for treating splenomegaly, including open splenectomy, laparoscopic splenectomy, and a combination of preoperative splenic artery embolization plus laparoscopic splenectomy.

Methods

From January 2006 to August 2011, 79 patients underwent splenectomy in our hospital. Of them, 20 patients underwent a combined treatment of preoperative splenic artery embolization and laparoscopic splenectomy (group 1), 30 patients had laparoscopic splenectomy alone (group 2), and 29 patients underwent open splenectomy (group 3). Patients’ demographics, perioperative data, clinical outcome, and hematological changes were analyzed.

Results

Preoperative splenic artery embolization plus laparoscopic splenectomy was successfully performed in all patients in group 1. One patient in group 2 required an intraoperative conversion to traditional open splenectomy because of severe blood loss. Compared with group 2, significantly shorter operating time, less intraoperative blood loss, and shorter postoperative hospital stay were noted in group 1. No marked significant differences in postoperative complications of either group were observed. Compared with group 3, group 1 had less intraoperative blood loss, shorter postoperative stay, and fewer complications. No significant differences were found in operating time. There was a marked increase in platelet count and white blood count in both groups during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Preoperative splenic artery embolization with laparoscopic splenectomy reduced the operating time and decreased intraoperative blood loss when compared with laparoscopic splenectomy alone or open splenectomy. Splenic artery embolization is a useful intraoperative adjunctive procedure for patients with splenomegaly because of the benefit of perioperative outcomes.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the preferred operative approach for diseases involving normal-sized spleens. Our experience with laparoscopic splenectomy in the setting of massive splenomegaly is presented. METHODS: A prospective review of patients undergoing LS for massive splenomegaly was conducted. Massive splenomegaly (MS) in adults was defined as a craniocaudal length >or=17 cm or a morcellated weight >or=600 g. In children, spleens measuring fourfold larger than normal for age were considered massive. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients with MS were treated with LS. The most common primary diagnoses were lymphoma and leukemia. Mean splenic length was 20 cm (15 to 27 cm), with weights ranging from 600 to 4,750 g. Twelve patients with supermassive splenomegaly (length >22 cm) required a hand-assisted laparoscopic approach. There were no conversions to open surgery. Mean operating time was 171 minutes (90 to 369). Mean blood loss was 114 cc (<30 to 600 cc). Average length of stay was 2.3 days (1 to 16). Minor postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy in the setting of splenomegaly is safe and appears to minimize perioperative morbidity. In patients with supermassive splenomegaly, a hand-assisted laparoscopic approach may be required.     

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.     

Laparoscopic versus open pediatric splenectomy for massive splenomegaly

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has rapidly evolved into the technique of choice compared with open splenectomy (OS) because of the advantages of the minimally invasive approach. Splenomegaly increases the technical difficulties of LS. LS for massive splenomegaly has generally been found to fail in adults and children. With improvements in laparoscopic technique and accumulation of laparoscopic experience, however, concerns about completing the procedure in pediatric cases with even massive splenomegaly have been lowered. A retrospective review (April 1997-October 2009) of databases at 2 institutions identified 145 children undergoing splenectomy, 79 laparoscopic and 66 open. We defined splenic margin below the umbilicus or anteriorly extending over the midline as massive splenomegaly. By this definition, 22 cases of pediatric laparoscopic and 17 cases of open splenectomies for massive splenomegaly were performed. Perioperative and follow-up data of laparoscopic pediatric splenectomies were compared with those of open splenectomies, including operative time, bleeding, spleen size, complications, and hospital stay. There were no deaths, wound infections, or instances of pancreatitis. No accessory spleen was missed by laparoscopic; accessory spleens were missed in 2 patients in open splenectomies. The complication rate of laparoscopic versus open was 13.6% versus 41.2%. No subsequent surgery was necessary for dealing with complications both in laparoscopic and open series. Laparoscopic pediatric splenectomy for massive splenomegaly is a feasible, effective, and safe procedure and is associated with low morbidity and a short hospital stay.     

Trends in laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly

HYPOTHESIS: During the past 10 years, expertise with minimally invasive techniques has grown, leading to an increase in successful laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) even in the setting of massive and supramassive spleens. DESIGN: Retrospective series of patients who underwent splenectomy from November 1, 1995, to August 31, 2005. SETTING: Academic tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Adult patients who underwent elective splenectomy as their primary procedure (n = 111). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics, spleen size and weight, conversion from LS to open splenectomy, postoperative length of stay, and perioperative complications and mortality. Massive splenomegaly was defined as the spleen having a craniocaudal length greater than 17 cm or weight more than 600 g, and supramassive splenomegaly was defined as the spleen having a craniocaudal length greater than 22 cm or weight more than 1600 g. RESULTS: Eighty-five (77%) of the 111 patients underwent LS. Of these 85 patients, 25 (29%) had massive or supramassive spleens. These accounted for 40% of LSs performed in 2004 and 50% in 2005. Despite this increase in giant spleens, the conversion rate for massive or supramassive spleens has declined from 33% prior to 1999 to 0% in 2004 and 2005. Since January 2004 at our institution, all of the massive or supramassive spleens have been removed with a laparoscopic approach. Patients with massive or supramassive spleens who underwent LS had no reoperations for bleeding or deaths and had a significantly shorter postoperative length of stay (mean postoperative length of stay, 3.8 days for patients who underwent LS vs 9.0 days for patients who underwent open splenectomy; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite conflicting reports regarding the safety of LS for massive splenomegaly, our data indicate that with increasing institutional experience, the laparoscopic approach is safe, shortens the length of stay, and improves mortality.     

Massive Splenomegaly in Children: Laparoscopic Versus Open Splenectomy

Background and Objectives:

Laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly is still a controversial procedure as compared with open splenectomy. We aimed to compare the feasibility of laparoscopic splenectomy versus open splenectomy for massive splenomegaly from different surgical aspects in children.

Methods:

The data of children aged <12 years with massive splenomegaly who underwent splenectomy for hematologic disorders were retrospectively reviewed in 2 pediatric surgery centers from June 2004 until July 2012.

Results:

The study included 32 patients, 12 who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy versus 20 who underwent open splenectomy. The mean ages were 8.5 years and 8 years in the laparoscopic splenectomy group and open splenectomy group, respectively. The mean operative time was 180 minutes for laparoscopic splenectomy and 120 minutes for open splenectomy. The conversion rate was 8%. The mean amount of intraoperative blood loss was 60 mL in the laparoscopic splenectomy group versus 110 mL in the open splenectomy group. Postoperative atelectasis developed in 2 cases in the open splenectomy group (10%) and 1 case in the laparoscopic splenectomy group (8%). Oral feeding postoperatively resumed at a mean of 7.5 hours in the laparoscopic splenectomy group versus 30 hours in the open splenectomy group. The mean hospital stay was 36 hours in the laparoscopic splenectomy group versus 96 hours in the open splenectomy group. Postoperative pain was less in the laparoscopic splenectomy group.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly in children is safe and feasible. Although the operative time was significantly greater in the laparoscopic splenectomy group, laparoscopic splenectomy was associated with statistically significantly less pain, less blood loss, better recovery, and shorter hospital stay. Laparoscopic splenectomy for pediatric hematologic disorders should be the gold-standard approach regardless of the size of the spleen.     

Refining the selection criteria for laparoscopic versus open splenectomy for splenomegaly

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic splenectomy is considered the procedure of choice for patients with normal-sized spleens, the benefits are less clear in the presence of splenomegaly, which represents a heterogeneous patient population with a variety of underlying diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic (LS) and open splenectomy (OS) for spleens between 15 and 25 cm in length in order to identify strategies for patient selection for the laparoscopic approach. STUDY DESIGN: The medical records of concurrent patients undergoing splenectomy for splenomegaly (>15 cm in the long axis) from 2000 to 2005 were reviewed at two hospitals. At one hospital, LS was performed unless the spleen was >25 cm in length, while the other hospital used OS exclusively. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were compared for patients potentially eligible for LS. Data are expressed as median (interquartile range) and were analyzed by using nonparametric tests. A value P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Sixty-five laparoscopic and 25 open splenectomies were performed at the two hospitals, of which 34 were for splenomegaly. Five open cases involved spleens >25 cm and were excluded, leaving 18 LS (13 hand assisted) and 11 OS for further analysis. The groups were similar in comorbidity score, spleen length, hematologic diagnosis, and intraoperative blood loss. The open group was younger, included more females, and had a shorter operative time. Time to oral intake (1 vs. 2 days; P = 0.04) and length of hospital stay (3 vs. 6 days; P = 0.01) were shorter in the LS group. Postoperative complications occurred in 7 (39%) LS and 6 (55%) OS patients (P = 0.47); these were major in 3 LS patients and 1 OS patient (P = 1.0). All 3 major complications after LS occurred in the 3 patients with myelofibrosis and involved a conversion or reoperation by laparotomy for bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy confers benefit for most patients with splenomegaly between 15 and 25 cm, as it is associated with faster time to oral intake and a shorter hospital stay. Major morbidity after laparoscopic splenectomy was mostly related to surgery for myelofibrosis. These patients did not derive any benefit from the laparoscopic approach due to bleeding complications, requiring a conversion or relaparotomy.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy: outcome and efficacy for massive and supramassive spleens

BackgroundMassive and supramassive splenomegaly are relative contraindications to pure laparoscopic splenectomy (LS).MethodsA retrospective review of adult patients was conducted for splenectomy occurring from 1999 to 2009. Massive and supramassive spleens were defined as craniocaudad length ≥ 17 cm or weight ≥ 600 g and craniocaudad length ≥ 22 cm or weight ≥ 1,600 g, respectively.ResultsLS was done for 22 and open splenectomy for 21 patients, of which 12 and 14 were supramassive. Spleen weight and craniocaudad length were comparable. LS was associated with lower blood loss (308 vs 400 mL, P = .24), shorter length of stay (3 vs 4.5 days, P = .054), and similar morbidity (17% vs 14%). Two reoperations and 1 death occurred with open splenectomy. Operative times were longer for LS (195 vs 105 min, P = .008), while the conversion rate was 25%.ConclusionsIn cases of massive and supramassive splenomegaly, better outcomes are accomplished with LS than open splenectomy, and are comparable to hand-assisted LS.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy: size matters

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery is arguably the treatment of choice for patients undergoing elective splenectomy; however, for those patients with massive splenomegaly, laparoscopic surgery may prove difficult. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 6 years' experience of elective splenectomy was reviewed, in particular looking at the outcome of laparoscopic splenectomy in relation to the degree of splenomegaly. RESULTS: The conversion rate for laparoscopic splenectomy on patients with spleens weighing less than 1 kg was 0% whereas the conversion rate for those with spleens weighing more than 1 kg was 60%. In addition, a good correlation between both operative time and intra-operative blood loss in relation to splenic weight was observed. Open splenectomy on patients with spleens weighing more than 1 kg reduced the operative time and intra-operative blood loss without affecting hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy is the method of choice for elective splenectomy in patients with splenic weight estimated to be < 1 kg; however, the operation takes longer, there is a high risk of conversion and there is an increase in blood loss/morbidity associated with massive splenomegaly (spleen > 1 kg) if splenectomy is attempted laparoscopically.     

全腹腔镜下二级脾蒂离断法原位巨脾切除术的临床研究

［摘要］ 目的 总结全腹腔镜下二级脾蒂离断法原位巨脾切除术的手术要点和临床体会。方法 回顾性分析2013年1月~2017年6月48例实施巨脾切除术的患者临床资料,根据手术方式分为观察组（全腹腔镜下二级脾蒂离断法原位巨脾切除）和开放组（开腹传统法）。比较2组患者手术时间、术中出血、留置腹腔引流管情况、术后拔除引流管时间、并发症及术后住院时间等指标。结果 48例患者均成功完成手术,其中观察组25例均成功在全腹腔镜下完成二级脾蒂离断法原位脾切除术,无中转开腹,观察组手术时间比开放组长（130.40±63.60 min vs 99.13±33.97 min,P=0.038）,术中出血量更少（75.20±50.67 mL vs 206.09±116.77 mL,P=0.000）,术后住院时间更短（8.24±2.20天vs 11.00±3.49天,P=0.002）;观察组留置腹腔引流管的例数更少,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,但两组术后拔除引流管的时间相当;两组间脾窝积液、切口感染和发热两组差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;而观察组术后胸腔积液少于开放组,其差异有统计学意义（P<0.05））;两组均无腹腔出血,腹腔感染,门静脉系统血栓,胰瘘,胃瘘,肝功能衰竭等并发症。术后随访6个月,患者无门静脉系统血栓及肝功能衰竭并发症,胸腔积液已吸收。结论 全腹腔镜下二级脾蒂离断法原位巨脾切除安全可靠,与开腹传统方法比较,术中出血更少,恢复更快。     

Outcome of laparoscopic splenectomy based on hematologic indication

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy is the procedure of choice for elective splenectomy at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Although the literature clearly documents the technical feasibility and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy, little data exists concerning the results of this procedure based on the hematologic indication for splenectomy. We sought to examine the clinical experience with laparoscopic splenectomy in a single institution, with particular attention to morbidity and clinical outcomes based on hematologic disease process. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of laparoscopic splenectomies performed for nontraumatic, splenic pathology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from August 1995 to January 2001. Patient demographics, operative indications, morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcome were evaluated. Hematologic diagnostic groups were compared using Fisher's exact tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: A total of 147 laparoscopic splenectomies were performed. Seven patients (5%) required conversion to open splenectomy. Indications for splenectomy included idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in 65 patients, hematologic malignancy in 43 patients, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) in 9 patients, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in 9 patients, splenomegaly in 5 patients, splenic cyst in 4 patients, splenic abscess in 3 patients, hereditary spherocytosis in 2 patients, splenic artery aneurysm in 2 patients, Felty's syndrome in 1 patient, myelofibrosis in 1 patient, and other in 3 patients. Accessory spleens were identified in 20 patients (14%). Postoperative complications occurred in 23 (16%) patients. Patients with ITP had significantly shorter operation times (134 vs 163 min; p = 0.001), decreased estimated blood loss (126 vs 307 ml; p = 0.001), decreased length of hospital stay (2.8 vs 4.6 days; p < 0.001), and less chance of conversion (0 vs 7; p = 0.02) than patients with any other diagnosis. A mean follow-up period of 20 +/- 14 months showed an 85% rate of remission for ITP, 89% for TTP, and 89% for AIHA. Patients with malignant disease had significantly larger spleens (822 vs 313 g; p < 0.001), more estimated blood loss (380 vs 168 ml; p = 0.04), and longer operative times (170 vs 142 min; p = 0.009), as compared patients treated for benign disease. However, the length of hospital stay (4.3 vs 3.6 days; p = 0.06) and complication rates (19% vs 14%; p = 0.08) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: When performed for ITP, laparoscopic splenectomy resulted in shorter operations, minimal blood loss, earlier discharge, no conversions, and excellent remission rates, as compared with other hematologic indications. Despite larger spleens, more blood loss, and longer operations in patients with hematologic malignancies, morbidity and length of hospital stay still were similar to those associated with benign indications for laparoscopic splenectomy. In conclusion, laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and efficacious for a multitude of benign and malignant hematologic indications, and our data compares favorably to those for open series.     

The impact of splenic weight on laparoscopic splenectomy for splenomegaly

BACKGROUND: Enlarged spleens increase the technical difficulties associated with laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of splenic weight on the results of LS. METHODS: We performed a prospective analysis of 20 LS for splenomegaly and 40 LS for normal spleen in terms of intraoperative and early postoperative outcome. RESULTS: Patients with splenomegaly had longer operative times and higher conversion and transfusion rates than those with normal spleens. Patients with spleens weighing < 2000 G experienced less blood loss, fewer conversions, and a shorter postoperative hospital stay than those with spleens > 2000 g. No differences-except for the longer operative time-were observed between normal-sized spleens and those weighing < 2000 G. CONCLUSIONS: LS for splenomegaly is feasible for experienced laparoscopic surgeons. For spleens weighing < 2000 G, the outcome was comparable to that of normal spleens, whereas LS for spleens >2000 g was associated with a higher conversion rate, greater blood loss, a longer hospital stay, and increased morbidity.     

Does open surgery continue to have a role in elective splenectomy?

Background Since it was first reported in 1991, laparoscopic splenectomy has become the procedure of choice for elective splenectomy. However, doubts have been raised regarding the suitability of patients with splenomegaly (>1 kg) for laparoscopic resection because there have been reports of greater morbidity and higher conversion rates in this group of patients. Since 2000, patients referred to the authors’ center for splenectomy with an estimated spleen weight exceeding 1 kg have undergone splenectomy by the open approach. Methods Between September 1995 and April 2005, 95 elective splenectomies were performed by a single surgeon. Operative data were collected prospectively. Results A comparison between the operations that took place before 2001 (n = 47) and those performed after 2000 (n = 48) for all sizes of spleen showed significant reductions in conversion rate, operative time, and hospital stay in the later group. As compared with laparoscopic splenectomy (n = 11), open splenectomy (n = 18) for cases of splenomegaly resulted in a significantly shorter operative time, less operative blood loss, and no significant difference in hospital stay. Conclusion Although laparoscopic splenectomy is the treatment of choice for the majority of patients requiring elective splenectomy, the procedure for patients with significant splenomegaly requires caution and common sense. This study shows that an open splenectomy for these patients significantly reduces operative time and blood loss without increasing morbidity or hospital stay.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy vs conventional laparoscopic splenectomy in cases of splenomegaly

HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the procedure of choice for elective splenectomy. Splenomegaly may preclude safe mobilization and hilar control using conventional laparoscopic techniques. Hand-assisted LS (HALS) may offer the same benefits of minimally invasive surgery for splenomegaly while allowing safe manipulation and splenic dissection. DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients with splenomegaly undergoing conventional LS or HALS was performed. SETTING: Tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: Hand-assisted LS was performed at the start of the operation for patients with splenomegaly; splenomegaly was determined by palpation of the splenic tip extending to the midline or the iliac crest, or by a craniocaudal splenic length of greater than 22 cm. Splenomegaly was defined as a splenic weight of greater than 700 g after morcellation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographic characteristics, operative indications, splenic weight after morcellation, morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with splenomegaly were identified: 31 underwent standard LS and 14 underwent HALS. The HALS group had significantly larger spleens than the conventional LS group (mean weight, 1516 vs 1031 g; P =.02). Mean operative time (177 vs 186 minutes; P =.89), estimated blood loss (602 vs 376 mL; P =.17), and length of hospital stay (5.4 vs 4.2 days; P =.24) and complication rates (5 [36%] of 14 vs 5 [16%] of 31; P =.70) were similar between the HALS and the standard LS groups. No perioperative mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-assisted LS is a safe and efficacious procedure for these extremely difficult cases. Hand-assisted LS provides the benefits of a minimally invasive approach in cases of splenomegaly.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for treatment of splenomegaly

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy presents an advantage over open splenectomy, resulting in shorter hospital stay, decreased blood loss, and fewer operative and postoperative complications. Splenomegaly has long been considered a contraindication for laparoscopic splenectomy; however, in the hands of an experienced surgeon, this technique can be effectively applied to the treatment of splenomegaly. METHODS: Records for patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy for splenomegaly between 2000 and 2003, performed by a single surgeon in three community-based hospitals, were reviewed and demographic, operative, and postoperative data compiled. Preoperative diagnoses included B cell lymphoma, hemolytic anemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. RESULTS: Seven patients underwent laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy for splenomegaly during this time period. Splenic weights ranged from 410 to 3,100 g, and average operative time was 86.6 minutes. Estimated blood loss ranged from 50 to 350 ml; average hospital stay was 4.4 days. Two postoperative complications, ie, postoperative bleeding and superficial wound breakdown, were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy are effective methods for treatment of splenomegaly.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy for giant spleens

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly is technically difficult, and the morcellated splenic tissue may be inadequate for histologic study. A hand-assisted technique may provide a technical advantage and allow removal of larger pieces of spleen. METHODS: Patients who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly were reviewed. Demographic information, operative data, and outcomes data were tabulated. RESULTS: Sixteen patients met these criteria. Mean age was 56 years (range, 35-78 years). Operating time averaged 240 min (range, 165-360 min), and median blood loss was 425 cc (range, 100-1800 cc). There were no conversions to an open procedure. Mean weight of extracted spleens was 2008 g (range, 543-4090 g). Postoperative length of stay averaged 3.3 days (range, 2-7 days). There was one postoperative complication (6.25%) and no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly is feasible and safe while preserving the recovery benefits of minimal access surgery. It provides an adequate specimen for histologic study.     

Morbidity of hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic splenectomy: a 6-year review

Background

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has several advantages over the open procedure but can be technically demanding when performed in patients with massive splenomegaly. We hypothesized that patients who undergo hand-assisted LS (HALS) may experience the benefits of LS while having their enlarged spleens removed safely.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of patients who underwent HALS or LS between January 2003 and June 2008. Evaluated parameters included intraoperative and early postoperative morbidity and mortality, conversion to open surgery, need for blood transfusion, length of postoperative hospital stay, patient demographics, diagnosis leading to splenectomy, splenic weight and number of postoperative days to resuming normal diet. Differences were analyzed while controlling for splenic weight and malignant diagnosis using multiple linear and logistic regression analysis.

Results

In all, 103 patients underwent splenectomy (23 HALS, 80 LS). Patients who had HALS were older and had larger spleens, and a greater proportion had malignant diagnoses. We observed no significant differences in morbidity, conversion to open surgery or need for blood transfusion. The mean length of postoperative stay, duration of surgery and days to resuming full diet were longer in the HALS group. No patients died. No group differences were significant after controlling for splenic weight and malignant diagnosis.

Conclusion

The morbidity associated with HALS is comparable to that with LS. The longer duration of surgery and hospital stay for HALS patients was likely related to greater splenic weight, older age and greater proportion of malignant diagnoses. Hand-assisted LS is a viable alternative to open surgery in patients with massive spleens.     

Is splenectomy for massive splenomegaly safe in children?

PURPOSE: To study and analyze the causes, etiology, morbidity, mortality and therapeutic value of splenectomy performed for massive splenomegaly in children. METHODS: The medical records of 115 children less than 18 years old who had splenectomy for various hematological disorders were reviewed. Twenty of them had splenectomy for massive splenomegaly (spleen weight > or =1,000 g). The records of these were reviewed for age at operation, gender, hematological diagnosis, indication for splenectomy, operative procedures, postoperative complications, and outcome. RESULTS: Twenty children had splenectomy for massive splenomegaly. There were 16 males and 4 females. Their ages ranged from 4 to 15 years (mean 11.2). Twelve had sickle cell disease, 5 had sickle-beta-thalassemia, 1 had beta-thalassemia major, 1 had thalassemia intermediate, and 1 had chronic myeloid leukemia. The indications for splenectomy were hypersplenism in 11, recurrent splenic sequestration crisis in 8, and splenic abscess in 1. The transfusion requirements in the patient with beta-thalassemia major decreased markedly postoperatively from 18 transfusions/year to only 4 transfusions/year; and for those with hypersplenism, there was a marked improvement in their blood parameters following splenectomy. The patient with thalassemia intermediate required no more blood transfusions. There was no mortality. The immediate postoperative morbidity was 10% for those with massive splenomegaly compared with 6.3% for those with splenomegaly <1,000 g. CONCLUSIONS: With good perioperative management, splenectomy in children with massive splenomegaly is both safe and effective.