Laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly in benign hematological diseases

Background

Laparoscopic splenectomy has become the standard of care for benign hematological disease affecting the spleen; its role in massive splenomegaly remains controversial. In this study, we evaluated the outcome of laparoscopic splenectomies in terms of spleen size in a group of 83 patients of benign hematological diseases.

Methods

From July 2003 to December 2009, 83 patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for various benign hematological diseases. The data were recorded and analyzed in a retrospective manner. The patients were divided in to two groups according to the spleen weight; group I?<?2,000?g (n?=?54) and group II?>?2,000?g (n?=?29). Age, sex, hematological condition, operative time, estimated blood loss, conversion to open surgery, splenic weight, length of hospital stay, time to liquid diet, and morbidity were all recorded.

Results

Laparoscopic splenectomy was completed in 79 patients (95.2?%). Operative time (p?=?0.01) and estimated blood loss (p?=?0.001) was more in group II. The length of hospital stay (p?=?0.05) and the postoperative morbidity (p?=?0.001) also were significantly more in the second group. There was no mortality.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic splenectomy is possible and safe for massive splenomegaly in hematological disease (>2,000?g), but it needs longer operative time and hospital stay.     

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.     

Impact of hematological diagnosis on early and late outcome after laparoscopic splenectomyrid=""

Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is now regarded as the treatment of choice for autoimmune thrombopenia (ITP). However, there have been few reports describing the application of LS to other splenic diseases, such as malignant entities and conditions associated with splenomegaly. Hematological diseases have specific clinical features that can influence immediate outcome after LS. Although the long-term effects of LS are unknown, a risk of splenosis has been suggested. Therefore, we designed a study to analyze the impact of primary hematological disease on immediate and late outcome in a prospective series of LS patients. Methods: We performed a prospective analysis of 111 LS done between February 1993 and March 1999. The patients were classified by hematological indications into the following four groups: (a) group 1, low platelet count. This group was further subdivided into group 1A, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (n= 48) and group 1B, HIV-related ITP (n= 8); (b) group 2, anemia. This group was further subdivided into group 2A, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (n= 8), and group 2B, spherocytosis (n= 11); (c) group 3, malignancy (n= 28); and (d) group 4, others (n= 8). Immediate outcomes were recorded prospectively. Hematological status and late complications were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 24 ± 18 months. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of conversion, transfusion requirements, and morbidity, although transfusion and morbidity were slightly higher in group 3. However, hospital stay was significantly longer in groups 3 and 4 than in groups 1 and 2. Long-term follow-up showed satisfactory hematological results in ≥75% of patients (group 1A, 82%; group 1B, 88%; group 2A, 88%; group 2B, 100%; group 3, 75%; group 4, 88%). Overall, late morbidity was 8.3% and mortality was 6.2%, mainly due to deaths in group 4 (six of 22 patients). Conclusion: LS is a safe and reproducible procedure for most hematological indications, with a similar immediate outcome for benign diseases and a long-term hematological response comparable to the standard results that have been observed in open series. Received: 1 April 1999/Accepted: 22 November 1999/Online publication: 8 May 2000     

Partial splenectomy for children with congenital hemolytic anemia and massive splenomegaly

Partial splenectomy is an alternative to total splenectomy for the treatment of congenital hemolytic anemias (CHAs) in children, although the feasibility of this technique in the setting of massive splenomegaly is unknown. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of partial splenectomy in children with CHAs and massive splenomegaly. This retrospective study examined 29 children with CHAs who underwent partial splenectomy. Children were divided into 2 groups based on splenic size: 8 children had splenic volumes greater than 500 mL, whereas 21 children had splenic volumes less than 500 mL. Outcome variables included perioperative complications, transfusion requirements, hematocrits, reticulocyte counts, bilirubin levels, splenic sequestration, and splenic regrowth. All 29 children underwent successful partial splenectomy with 0.02 to 10 years of follow-up. After partial splenectomy, children overall had decreased transfusion requirements, increased hematocrits, decreased bilirubin levels, decreased reticulocyte counts, and elimination of splenic sequestration. Children with massive splenomegaly had similar outcomes compared with children without massive splenomegaly. Long-term complications included 3 mild infections, 4 cases of gallstones requiring cholecystectomy, and 1 child who required completion splenectomy. Partial splenectomy is a safe, effective, and technically feasible option for children with various CHAs, even in the setting of massive splenomegaly.     

Unique case of intramural colonic splenosis

Splenosis is usually a sequel of splenic rupture from abdominal trauma but can be associated with elective splenectomy. Recurrence of the hematological disorder for which the patient underwent splenectomy may occur, and splenic nodules can be found anywhere in the thoracic or abdominal cavity, as well as subcutaneously. We are presenting intramural colonic splenosis, a large inoculum of the splenic tissue that has been found to have the capacity to maintain anemia and thrombocytopenia, in a child previously splenectomized because of a hematological problem.     

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.     

Indications and complications of splenectomy for children with sickle cell disease

Background

Sickle cell anemia (SCA), which is characterized by high hemoglobin (Hb) F level and persistent splenomegaly into the older age group (up to 18 years of age) or even adults, is one of the commonest hemoglobinopathies in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. This makes them liable to develop splenic complications requiring splenectomy. This is a review of our experience in the management of 134 children with SCA who had splenectomy as part of their management at our hospital, with emphasis given to the indications and complications of splenectomy.

Patients and methods

The medical records of all children who had splenectomy at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed for the following: age at splenectomy, sex, Hb electrophoresis, indication for splenectomy, preoperative investigations, type of surgery, spleen weight, histology, perioperative management, and postoperative complications.

Results

From 1990 to 2004, 170 children with various hematologic disorders had splenectomy at our hospital. Of these, 134 had SCA (118 had sickle cell disease and 16 had sickle-β-thalassemia). Recurrent acute splenic sequestration crisis (ASSC) was the commonest indication for splenectomy in 103 (76.9%) patients, followed by hypersplenism in 18 (13.4%). Seven (5.2%) of our patients had splenectomy for splenic abscess (SA) and 2 had splenectomy for massive splenic infarction; 103 (61 boys, 42 girls) patients with a mean age of 7.6 years (range, 1.8-13 years) had splenectomy for ASSC. Their mean Hb F level was 20.5% (range, 9.2%-39.6%). Thirty-two of them had major attacks. Their Hb levels at the time of admission ranged from 1.4 to 4.1 g/dL (mean, 2.5 g/dL). The remaining 71 had minor recurrent attacks. Eighteen had splenectomy for hypersplenism and all had a significant increase in their blood parameters after splenectomy. Seven had splenectomy for SA. In 5 patients, Salmonella was the causative organism; in 1, it was Enterobacter sakazaki, whereas in 1, no organisms were identified. Two of our patients had splenectomy for massive splenic infarction because of persistent left upper quadrant abdominal pain, and 1 had splenectomy for splenomegaly with a nonfunctioning spleen. Twenty-eight (21%) of our patients had splenectomy and cholecystectomy. In 4 patients, this was because of symptomatic gallstones, whereas in the other 24, it was because of asymptomatic gallstones discovered on ultrasound. There was no mortality, but 8 (6%) developed postoperative complications.

Conclusions

With good perioperative management, splenectomy in children with SCA is not only safe, but also beneficial in treating SA, reducing the patients' transfusion requirements, eliminating the risks of ASSC, and eliminating the discomfort and mechanical pressure of the enlarged spleen. Abdominal ultrasound should be done routinely preoperatively for all children with SCA undergoing splenectomy, and if gallstones are discovered, they should undergo concomitant cholecystectomy. This is even so for asymptomatic gallstones. The addition of cholecystectomy to splenectomy does not increase the morbidity, but eliminates the subsequent complications of gallstones and simplifies their future management in case of abdominal crisis as the possibility of cholecystitis is eliminated.     

Handport-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy in massive splenomegaly

Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy of normal-sized spleens is performed with increasing frequency. By using a handport, which allows the intraperitoneal introduction of one surgeon's hand, massively enlarged spleens may also be extirpated via a laparopscopy-assisted technique. Methods: Seven patients (54–80 years) with massive splenomegaly (3.5–5.8 kg) underwent handport-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy. All patients had spleens that extended beyond the umbilicus, hypersplenism, and discomfort in the upper left quadrant due to intractable hematological malignancy. Results: Both the operation and recovery were uneventful in five of the patients, but one patient had to be converted to an open procedure due to splenic damage and bleeding, and another was reoperated for hemorrhage from a trocar. The handport allowed splenic protection while the trocars were introduced and instruments changed. It also enabled splenic mobilization, particularly prior to stapling of the hilar structures and dissection of the upper splenic pole. Conclusions: Handport-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy seems to be a viable alternative for massive splenomegaly, but it requires further evaluation with respect to safety, efficacy, and indication. Received: 7 September 1999/Accepted: 12 March 2000/Online publication: 20 July 2000     

Thrombosis of the splenoportal axis after splenectomy

Background and aims Thrombosis of the portal system is a potentially life-threatening complication after splenectomy. The reported incidence is low (≅1%), however may be underestimated due to difficult in making the diagnosis. The factors associated with its development and the clinical outcome are poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, risk factors, treatment, and outcome in series of consecutive cases.Materials and methods All patients who had undergone a splenectomy (both open and laparoscopic) between January 1997 and December 2004 at the Department of Surgery of University of Milan Bicocca were retrospectively reviewed. Twelve cases of thrombosis (7.6%) among 158 splenectomies were identified. No significant differences were noted in age, gender, and surgical approach between patients who developed thrombosis and those who did not. Indication for splenectomy in patients with thrombosis were myeloproliferative disorders (n=5), hemolytic disease (n=4), and lymphoproliferative disorder (n=3). All patients had splenomegaly (mean 1.380 kg, range 0.400–3.120 kg).Results Among patients with myeloproliferative disorders, five (33%) developed the complication, compared with 4 of 35 (11.5%) with hemolytic disease. Patients with both splenic weight >2.500 kg and myeloproliferative disorders had 80% incidence of portal thrombosis. Preoperative prophylactic anticoagulant therapy with low molecular weight heparin was administered in each case. All these patients had fever, abdominal pain, or leukocytosis. All diagnoses were made by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan and ecocolordoppler ultrasonography, and anticoagulation therapy was initiated immediately. Treatment within 15 days after splenectomy was successful in all patients, while delayed treatment was ineffective.Conclusions Portal thrombosis should be suspected in patients with fever or abdominal pain after splenectomy. Patients with myeloproliferative disorders and hemolitic diseases are at higher risk, as well as patients with marked splenomegaly. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and prompt anticoagulation therapy are the keys to a successful outcome.     

Preoperative splenic artery occlusion as an adjunct for high risk splenectomy

High risk splenectomy is often encountered in cases of hypersplenism with massive splenomegaly (10 times usual weight of 150-200 g) resulting from myelophthisic processes. Intra-operative ligation of the splenic artery through the lesser sac is a technically useful method of gaining vascular control prior to mobilizing the challenging spleen. However, a massive or inaccessible spleen imposes mechanical limitations during surgery and may be complicated by torrential intra-operative hemorrhage in the setting of severe thrombocytopenia refractile to platelet transfusions. The authors describe pre-operative intravascular proximal splenic artery control in four adult patients (3 men, 1 woman) with extreme splenomegaly (2,250-10,000 g). The massive splenomegaly in this group resulted from chronic myelogenous leukemia (n = 2), isolated splenic lymphoma (n = 1), and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (n = 1). Chief symptom manifestations included left upper quadrant abdominal pain, early satiety, post-prandial emesis, dyspnea, petechiae, and associated easy bruising. Prior to surgery, all the patients were taken to the radiology suite where either detachable silastic balloons or stainless steel coils were placed selectively into the splenic artery under fluoroscopic guidance requiring approximately 35 minutes. Splenic artery occlusion aided normalization of thrombocytopenia (average increases 19,000/microliter to 215,000/microliter) with prolongation in survival of platelets. Successful splenectomy was subsequently performed with no additional transfusion requirements and was made technically easier by reducing splenic bulk. There were no adverse consequences of intravascular occlusion and no peri-operative morbidity or mortality. Preoperative intravascular selective splenic artery occlusion, used as an important potential adjunct to anticipated high risk splenectomy, is recommended.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Huge inflammatory pseudotumor of the spleen with postoperative portal vein thrombosis: report of a case

We report the rare case of a splenic inflammatory pseudotumor associated with massive splenomegaly, diagnosed after surgery. A 51-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for investigation of anemia. Physical examination revealed a palpable left upper quadrant mass. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a splenic mass, 20 cm in diameter. We performed splenectomy for both diagnosis and treatment. The spleen weighed 2400 g, and histologic examination of the mass confirmed an inflammatory pseudotumor. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) developed the day after surgery, but resolved with anticoagulation therapy. This case highlights that there is a risk of PVT after splenectomy in patients with massive splenomegaly, and that anticoagulant therapy should be initiated promptly.     

Outcome of laparoscopic splenectomy with preoperative splenic artery embolization for massive splenomegaly

Background  

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become a safe and feasible procedure for cases involving spleens of normal size. Only a few publications report on the outcome of LS with preoperative splenic artery embolization (SAE) for massive splenomegaly. The authors present their experience in patients with massive splenomegaly who underwent laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy (LAS) or hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) following SAE.     

Splenectomy for splenomegaly of more than 1000 grams. A retrospective study of 36 patients

Splenectomy for massive splenomegaly is frequently performed for hematologic disorders for diagnostic and therapeutic indications. The role of splenectomy is complex and controversial. The aims of our retrospective study were to focus on postoperative complications and advantages of splenectomy for massive splenomegaly. Thirty six patients with splenomegaly weighing 1000 g or more, underwent splenectomy at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Lyon Sud, from January 1st, 1982, to December 31, 1995. Thirty-one (85%) of these patients had hematologic malignancy and more than half of them were older than sixty years. The main indications for splenectomy were hypersplenism (18 patients) and diagnosis (14). Preliminary ligation of the splenic artery was performed in 25 patients (42%). All patients had drainage. The mortality and morbidity rates were 5.5% and 20%, respectively. No major septic or thromboembolic complications occurred. There was only one major bleeding complication. The advantages of splenectomy included histopathological diagnosis in 13 of 14 patients with splenomegaly of unknown origin, permanent pain relief in all cases, and immediate correction of hematological cytopenia in 27 cases (75%). We conclude that the large weight of the spleen does not constitute a contraindication to splenectomy, but indications must be carefully selected, and the operative and perioperative management, must be appropriate.     

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.     

Laparoscopic versus open splenectomy for massive splenomegaly: a comparative study

BACKGROUND: Despite the benefits of the laparoscopic approach to splenectomy, its application in patients with massive splenomegaly (splenic weight >or= 1000 g) remains controversial. In this study we evaluated the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly compared with open splenectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One surgeon applied the laparoscopic approach to splenectomy to all comers with massive splenomegaly, while other surgeons carried out the surgery through a laparotomy. The outcomes of the two approaches were compared on an intention-to-treat basis. Results of continuous variables are shown as medians. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy between 2000 and 2005, and 13 underwent open splenectomy between 1996 and 2003. The two groups were comparable for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and splenic weight (1.3 vs. 1.1 kg). There was one conversion (6.6%) to open surgery. Although laparoscopic splenectomy was associated with significantly longer operating time (175 vs. 90 minutes, P < 0.001), it carried lower postoperative morbidity and mortality (13.3 vs. 30.8% and 0 vs. 7.7%, respectively). Laparoscopic splenectomy was associated with significantly lower total dose (29 vs. 264 mg morphine-equivalent, P < 0.0001) and duration of opiate usage (1 vs. 4 days, P < 0.0001); duration of parenteral hydration (24 vs. 96 hours, P = 0.006) and more rapid resumption of oral diet (24 vs. 72 hours, P = 0.017); and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (3 vs. 10 days, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach to splenectomy for massive splenomegaly is feasible and safe. Despite a longer operating time, the postoperative recovery following laparoscopic splenectomy is smoother, with lower morbidity and shorter postoperative hospital stay compared with open splenectomy.     

Peritonitis: laparoscopic approach

Background

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is an uncommon dramatic abdominal emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment to ensure the patients survival. Infections have been cited in most cases involving splenic rupture but are rare in hematological malignancies despite frequent involvement of the spleen.

Methods and Materials

We present a case of a splenic rupture caused by infiltration of B-cell lymphoma. A 43 year old gentleman presented with a 1 day h/o left upper quadrant pain; nausea and vomiting for 2 days with associated dizziness and anorexia. The CT showed abnormal spleen 20 × 11 cm with free fluid in the abdomen and enlarged retroperitoneal LNs. The patient underwent a splenectomy after initial resuscitation and the operative finding was that of a massively enlarged spleen with areas of tumor extruding through the splenic capsule.

Result and conclusion

Although the spleen is often involved in hematological malignancies, splenic rupture is an infrequent occurrence. In a recent literature review 136 cases were of splenic rupture secondary to hematological malignancy were identified. Acute leukemia and non Hodgkin lymphoma were the frequent causes followed by chronic myelogeneous leukemia. Male sex, adulthood, severe splenomegaly and cytoreductive chemotherapy were factors more often associated with splenic rupture. Emergency splenectomy remains the cornerstone treatment for splenic rupture. We present a case report of a "spontaneous splenic rupture" and discuss the presentation, etiology and treatment options along with discussion of relevant literature     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly: technical aspects of initial ligation of splenic artery and extraction without hand-assisted technique

A 37-year-old man was referred for massive splenomegaly. In November 2005, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma in the setting of splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia. His laboratory results showed a coagulopathy owing to lupus anticoagulant. A computed tomography scan showed a 36 x 26 x 11 cm spleen and a prominent and sinuous splenic artery. The authors performed a laparoscopic splenectomy with an initial ligation of the splenic artery. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged home on the fourth postoperative day in stable condition. Discussed in this paper is the safety and feasibility of the minimally invasive approach in massive splenomegaly.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy: a single center experience. Unusual cases and expanded inclusion criteria for laparoscopic approach

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is nowadays considered as the gold standard for most hematological diseases where splenectomy is necessary, but many questions still remain. The aim of this study was to analyze our 5-years experiences consisting of 48 consecutive LS cases in order to assess the optimal approach and the feasibility of the procedure also in malignant diseases and unusual cases such as a primary spleen lymphoma, a big splenic artery aneurism, or a spleen infarct due to a huge pancreatic pseudo-cyst. Forty-eight consecutive patients underwent LS from January 2006 to January 2011 with at least 1-year follow-up. Clinical data and immediate outcome were retrospectively recorded; age, diagnosis, operation time, perioperative transfusion requirement, conversion rate, accessory incision, hospital stay, and complications were analyzed. We had 14 cases of malignant splenic disease, the most frequent malignant diagnosis was non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (12/14, 85.7 %). Splenomegaly (interpole diameter (ID) >20 cm) was observed in 12 cases (25 %) and massive splenomegaly (ID >25 cm) in 3 cases (6.25 %). Conversion to laparotomy occurred in two patients (4.16 %), both associated to uncontrollable bleeding in patients with splenomegaly. Mean operative time was 138 ± 22 min. Mean hospital stay was 4.5 days. Postoperative morbidity rate was 8.8 % for the benign group and 35.7 % in the malignant group. Mortality occurred in 1/48 patients (2.08 %), as a result of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI). LS can be performed safely for malignant splenic disease and splenomegaly without any statistically significant increase of morbidity and mortality rate. Conversion rate is increased for massive splenomegaly. LS should be considered as the preferential approach even in patients with malignant disease, splenomegaly, or unusual cases. Massive splenomegaly should be considered as relative contraindication to LS even at experienced centers.     

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.     

Blunt splenic injury: Outcomes of proximal versus distal and combined splenic artery embolization

PurposeTo assess clinical outcomes of blunt splenic injuries (BSI) managed with proximal versus distal versus combined splenic artery embolization (SAE).Materials and methodsAll consecutive patients with BSI admitted to our trauma centre from 2005 to 2010 and managed with SAE were reviewed. Outcomes were compared between proximal (P), distal (D) or combined (C) embolization. We focused on embolization failure (splenectomy), every adverse events occurring during follow up and material used for embolization.ResultsFifty patients were reviewed (P n = 18, 36%; D n = 22, 44%; C n = 8, 16%). Mean injury severity score was 20. The technical success rate was 98%. Four patients required splenectomy (P n = 1, D n = 3, C n = 0). Clinical success rate for haemostasis was 92% (4 re-bleeds: P n = 2, D n = 2, C n = 0). Outcomes were not statistically different between the materials used. Adverse events occurred in 65% of the patients during follow up. Four percent of the patients developed major complications and 56% developed minor complications attributable to embolization. There was no significant difference between the 3 groups.ConclusionSAE had an excellent success rate with adverse events occurring in 65% of the patients and no significant differences found between the embolization techniques used. Proximal preventive embolization appears to protect in high-grade traumatic injuries.