Laparoscopic splenectomy in patients with normal-sized spleens versus splenomegaly: does size matter?

Laparoscopic resection has become the standard means for removal of normal-sized spleens in many medical centers. The application of minimally invasive techniques in the setting of splenomegaly is less well defined and was previously considered a contraindication to the laparoscopic approach. The purpose of this prospective study of consecutive patients was to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy for normal-sized spleens (150 g or less) versus those with clear evidence of splenomegaly (500 g or greater). One hundred forty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common diagnosis in the normal-sized spleen group was idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (67 of 82, 82%). Malignant hematologic diseases (lymphoma and leukemia) were the most common diagnoses in the splenomegaly group (35 of 60, 58%). Mean operative times (127 vs 172 minutes) and estimated blood loss (123 vs 173 cm3) were lower for those patients with normal-sized spleens (P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in conversion rates, lengths of stay, or complications between the two groups. We conclude that laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and effective in the setting of splenomegaly despite modest but statistically longer operative times and increased operative blood loss when compared with laparoscopic splenectomy for normal-sized spleens.     

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 subtotal splenectomy

BACKGROUND: Since 1979, we have been studying subtotal splenectomy. This procedure was used in over 200 patients to treat splenic trauma, portal hypertension, myeloid metaplasia due to myelofibrosis, Gaucher disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, retarded growth, and sexual development associated with splenomegaly, and disorders of the pancreatic tail. On the basis of our clinic experience with laparoscopic splenectomy with and without splenic autotransplantation, open subtotal splenectomy, and after a training period with laparoscopic conservative splenic operations on animals, this communication presents laparoscopic subtotal splenectomy as a new treatment of severe pain due to ischemia of the spleen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients with severe splenic pain due to ischemia provoked by vascular obstruction of the spleen were successfully treated by laparoscopic subtotal splenectomy, with preservation of the upper splenic pole supplied only by the gastrosplenic vessels. RESULTS: This procedure was safely conducted with minor bleeding and no technical difficulties or complications. The postoperative follow-up of 5 and 21 months has been uneventful and the pain disappeared since the first postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible and safe to perform subtotal splenectomy by laparoscopy. This procedure seems to be a good treatment for pain due to splenic ischemia.     

门静脉高压巨脾大部切除后残脾神经分布与定量研究

目的：观察门静脉高压巨脾大部切除后残脾神经纤维分布与密度变化,评估残脾保留的价值。 方法：选取门静脉高压脾肿大行脾大部切除并残脾腹后固定术患者13例,收集患者术后切取的巨脾组织,以及术后8年穿刺获取的残脾组织,另取外伤性脾组织13例为正常对照。采用免疫组化法检测脾神经肽Y（NPY）和神经丝蛋白200（NF 200）阳性神经纤维分布及密度。 结果：3组脾组织NPY和NF200阳性神经纤维的分布部位大致相同,但两者在巨脾组织中的密度明显较高。红髓部分的定量分析显示,巨脾组织NPY与NF200阳性神经纤维密度均明显高于残脾组织和正常脾组织（均P<0.05）,而两种阳性神经纤维密度在残脾组织与正常脾组织间差异无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。 结论：巨脾大部切除术后残脾神经纤维分布及含量与正常脾大致相同,提示解除高压环境后,残脾神经功能能逐渐恢复正常。     

手助腹腔镜与开腹脾切除断流术的临床对比研究

目的：比较手助腹腔镜和开腹手术治疗门脉高压症脾切除断流术的近期临床效果。方法：回顾分析2003年2月至2006年6月手助腹腔镜和同期开腹手术脾切除断流术各27例的临床资料。结果：腹腔镜组的平均手术时间明显长于开腹组（183min vs.163min,P〈0.05）,而术中出血量（630ml vs.1215ml）、术中输血量（601ml vs.1049ml）、腹腔总引流量（946mlvs.1545ml）、排气时间（79h vs.95h）、术后住院时间（13d vs.16d）均明显减少（P〈0.05）。术后肝功能、并发症发生率、切除脾重、住院总费用均无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。结论：手助腹腔镜脾切除断流术的近期效果明显优于传统开腹手术,且安全、可行,具有微创的优越性。     

手助腹腔镜巨脾切除术临床分析

目的探讨对巨脾行手助腹腔镜脾切除术(hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy,HALS)的可行性、安全性和手术技巧。方法2005年1月~2006年12月,对门脉高压性巨脾40例,采用HALS(n=15)或开腹脾切除(open splenectomy,OS)(n=25)。2组年龄、性别、肝功能分级、脾脏大小相似。结果2组未发生严重手术并发症。与OS组相比,HALS组术中出血多[(312±61)ml vs(235±105)ml,t=2.583,P=0.014],手术时间长[(95±20)min vs(73±16)min,t=3.832,P=0.000],术后肠功能恢复早[(48±1)h vs(98±1)h,t=-153.093,P=0.000],术后住院时间短[(6±2)d vs(10±2)d,t=-6.124,P=0.000)]。结论手助腹腔镜巨大脾脏切除是安全、可行的。与开腹脾脏切除相比,虽然手术时间长,但是术后恢复快、住院时间短。     

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.     

原位脾脏切除术256例体会

目的 总结原位脾脏切除术比较于传统脾脏切除术的优越性和不足。方法 对1999年7月至2002年5月实施的256例原位脾脏切除术的临床资料进行分析。结果与传统的脾脏切除术相比,原位脾脏切除术通过在保持脾脏原位状态下离断胃短血管和脾门血管,更有利于保护胃壁、胰尾、脾静脉等重要结构,预防胃瘘、胰尾瘘、术后大出血、脾静脉及门静脉血栓等严重并发症。尽管该术式操作平面深在,对术者的技术要求高,但本组资料显示,脾脏原位状态下完成胃短血管离断术和脾门各血管处理的成功率分别为98．0％和96．5％。结论 原位脾脏切除术更适用于门静脉高压症时巨大脾脏的切除,与传统的脾切除术相比,创伤性更小,安全性更高。     

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.     

Can we predict immediate outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy for splenomegaly? Multivariate analysis of clinical, anatomic, and pathologic features after 3D reconstruction of the spleen

The laparoscopic approach is the treatment of choice for splenectomy, but its definitive role in splenomegaly is controversial. Factors that influence immediate outcome are clinical, anatomic, and pathological. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive factors on outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy in splenomegaly. We reviewed patients submitted to laparoscopic splenectomy with a final spleen weight superior to 700 g. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the spleen was performed, and spleen volume and diameters were measured. Multivariate analysis showed that factors that predicted for conversion were mediolateral diameter ( P = .039, RR: 1.43) and platelet count (P < .05, RR: 1). For intraoperative bleeding, the predictive factor was spleen volume (P < .03, RR: 1.003). Anteroposterior spleen diameter was related to operative time (P = .011), and the factor related to postoperative morbidity was age (P = .049, RR: 0.941). Local anatomy and clinical factors affect surgical outcome in laparoscopic splenectomy for splenomegaly. These factors should be taken into account when planning this kind of procedure.     

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.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy in the management of benign and malignant hematologic diseases.

OBJECTIVES: The use of laparoscopy to treat malignant hematological diseases is not completely accepted. Our aim was to analyze operative and postoperative results of laparoscopic splenectomy performed for benign versus malignant hematological disorders. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2003, 76 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. The first 38 cases were performed by using an anterior approach, whereas in the remaining 38 cases a semilateral position was used. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics showed that patients with malignant diseases were significantly older (56.9 vs 32.6 years, P < 0.001). Seventy-two (94.7%) procedures were completed laparoscopically. Conversion was required in 4 cases (5.2%). Mean operative time was 138.5 minutes for benign and 151.0 minutes for malignant diseases, (P > 0.05, ns). The hand-assisted technique was used in 3 patients with massive splenomegaly. Pathologic features showed that spleen volume was higher in patients with malignant diseases (mean interpole diameter 18.1 cm vs 13.7 cm, P < 0.001). Massive splenomegaly (interpole diameter over 20 cm, weight over 1000 g) was present in 13 patients (17.1%); 9 had malignant diseases. Overall perioperative mortality was 1.3% and major postoperative complications occurred in 6 patients (7.8%). Postoperative splenoportal partial thrombosis was identified in 9.7% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy is a well-accepted, less-invasive procedure for hematological disorders. Neoplastic diseases or splenomegaly, or both, do not seem to limit the indications for a minimally invasive approach after the learning curve.     

Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Technique in the Setting of Complicated Splenectomy: A 9-Year Experience

Background

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is significantly more challenging in patients with supramassive splenomegaly and those with portal hypertension. We hypothesized that hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) could facilitate the procedure in these patients.

Methods

Before October 2009, patients with supramassive splenomegaly and those with portal hypertension underwent LS. After October 2009, we routinely applied HALS in patients with these disorders.

Results

We compared the HALS group (n = 41) with the LS group (n = 45). There were no conversions to open surgery in the HALS group, whereas there was an 4.5 % conversion rate in the LS group. The operating times were shorter, and there was less estimated blood loss, and fewer major complications in the HALS group. Analgesia requirement, time to full diet, and postoperative stay were comparable in the two groups.

Conclusions

We concluded that HALS was superior to LS in patients with supramassive splenomegaly and in those with portal hypertension.     

Analysis of risk factors for massive intraoperative bleeding during laparoscopic splenectomy

Background/Purpose Laparoscopic splenectomy is occasionally converted to open surgery due to massive intraoperative bleeding. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for massive bleeding during laparoscopic splenectomy. Methods Fifty-three patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. The indications were hematologic disease in 25 patients, liver cirrhosis in 17 patients, and other conditions in 11 patients. Univariate analysis was conducted with Fisher's exact test, and multivariate analysis was conducted with a stepwise logistic regression model. Results None of the patients required open surgery. Blood loss of more than 800 ml was defined as massive intraoperative bleeding. Univariate analysis showed significant risk factors for massive bleeding to be liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, splenomegaly, Child class, and preoperative platelet count. Independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis were portal hypertension and Child class. Conclusions Careful attention to intraoperative bleeding during laparoscopic splenectomy is necessary for patients with portal hypertension and/or deteriorated liver function.     

Portal venous pressure following splenectomy in patients with portal hypertension of differing etiology.

To clarify the effect of splenomegaly on portal hemodynamics in patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices, manometric studies were carried out before and after splenectomy during an operation for esophageal varices. The 118 patients evaluated retrospectively had underlying liver cirrhosis (LC) (62), idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) (42), and extrahepatic portal occlusion (EHO) (14). The weight of the spleen did not differ significantly among the three diagnostic groups: 640 +/- 473.5 g for LC, 780 +/- 414.6 g for IPH, and 683 +/- 457.2 g for EHO. Before splenectomy, portal pressure was significantly elevated in the patients with EHO (410 +/- 85.2 mm H2O) as compared to either the LC or IPH groups (348 +/- 64.1 and 348 +/- 73.5 mm H2O). Following splenectomy the reduction of portal pressure was significantly greater in the EHO group (29 +/- 15.5%) than in either the LC (18 +/- 17.4%) or IPH (19 +/- 17.0%) groups. Each group was subdivided according to severity of splenomegaly: marked (spleen weight > or = 500 g) or slight (spleen weight < 500 g). Patients with LC and marked splenomegaly showed a reduction in liver function parameters as shown by the prolongation of indocyanine retention rate at 15 min as compared to those with slight splenomegaly. Though it is not statistically significant, the average portal pressure tended to be higher among those with marked splenomegaly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

An 18-year review of open and laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy has become the preferred surgical procedure for the management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). However, there studies have directly compared the incidence of recurrent ITP secondary to missed accessory spleens in open versus laparoscopic splenectomy. METHODS: Open and laparoscopic splenectomies performed for ITP at 4 sites over 18 years were analyzed. The incidence of recurrent disease secondary to missed accessory spleens was compared between the open and laparoscopic splenectomy groups. RESULTS: A total of 105 splenectomies (54 open/51 laparoscopic) were performed. Accessory spleens were identified in 6 laparoscopic and 6 open cases (P = .57). Recurrent disease occurred in 27.6% of open and 14.6% of laparoscopic cases (P = .222). There were no cases of recurrent ITP secondary to a missed accessory spleen in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of missed accessory spleens causing recurrent disease is similar when splenectomy is performed either open or laparoscopically.     

Minimal-access splenectomy: a viable alternative to laparoscopic splenectomy in massive splenomegaly.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy of normal-sized spleens or in moderate splenomegaly is performed with increasing frequency. By using a modification of the open laparotomy, minimal-access splenectomy is an attractive alternative in severe splenomegaly. METHODS: Between September 2002 and October 2003, 9 patients (mean age, 58.8 years; range, 41 to 72) with severe splenomegaly (mean length, 27.9 cm; range, 23 to 32) underwent minimal-access splenectomy. Indications for splenectomy were non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 5 cases and idiopathic myelofibrosis in 4. RESULTS: Minimal-access splenectomy was successfully completed in all patients. Mean operative time was 124 minutes (range, 75 to 165). Postoperative complications occurred in 2 cases; one perioperative death occurred in a patient with idiopathic myelofibrosis as a consequence of a secondary blast crisis. Median postoperative hospital stay was 9.1 days (range, 6 to 15). CONCLUSIONS: Minimal-access splenectomy seems to be a viable alternative to laparoscopic splenectomy in cases of severe splenomegaly. It combines the advantages of hand assistance like shorter operative times and increased safety of the procedure to the classical benefits of minimally invasive surgery.     

无蓝碟手助腹腔镜巨脾切除术15例报告

目的探讨无蓝碟手助腹腔镜下脾切除术的安全性和疗效。方法 2009年5月～2011年7月,完成手助腹腔镜巨脾切除15例（脾脏长径138～192 mm,平均169 mm）,其中6例行贲门周围血管离断术。上腹正中5～6 cm切口,左手常规进腹,超声刀离断胃结肠韧带后,用伸入腹腔的手指在胰腺上缘将脾动脉主干游离,丝线结扎,并在手指引导下于脾蒂后方穿过吻合器钉仓,击发后离断脾蒂,然后再离断脾周围韧带,完整切除脾脏。结果 15例手术均顺利完成,手术时间76～294 min,平均147 min;出血量55～1100 ml,平均292 ml。术后住院时间7～15 d,平均9.8 d。15例随访1～25个月,平均14个月,血小板在术后18～27 d内（平均24.6 d）恢复正常,术后无远期并发症。结论无蓝碟手助腹腔镜脾切除术手术时间短,术后恢复快,并发症少,是一种值得推广的安全有效的手术方法。     

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.