Laparoscopic accessory splenectomy for recurrent idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic anemia

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy is an effective treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and hemolytic anemia that has a remission rate of 80-90%. In some patients in whom the disease persists or recurs, a diagnosis of accessory spleen is made. The long-term efficacy of laparoscopic accessory splenectomy is unknown. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic accessory splenectomy were followed in the outpatient clinic. The perioperative course, blood counts, and need for medical therapy to maintain a normal count were recorded. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent laparoscopic accessory splenectomy. All procedures were completed laparoscopically, and all patients were discharged on the 1st postoperative day. Patients were available for a follow-up period of 15 months range, (3-27). None of the ITP patients achieved a complete remission. Two of them had a partial remission, and five ITP patients are now being treated with chronic corticosteroids to maintain a platelet count of >100,000/ml. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic accessory splenectomy is associated with a low rate of morbidity and a short hospital stay. Despite its success in removing all residual splenic tissue, most patients will probably not enjoy a complete remission.     

Laparoscopic removal of retroperitoneal accessory spleen in patient with relapsing idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura 30 years after classical splenectomy

The clinical success of therapeutic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura depends on the complete removal of all functional splenic tissue. Among reasons for poor response to splenectomy, failure to remove accessory spleens is mentioned. We present our experience with laparoscopic removal of accessory spleen from retroperitoneal space in a patient with relapse of ITP 30 years after classical splenectomy. A 45-year-old female patient underwent in 1972 classical splenectomy for ITP. Progressive decline in thrombocyte count was observed 7 years ago. Scintigraphy, CT, and ultrasound revealed residual splenic tissue. A laparoscopic approach was proposed. Four trocars placed along left costal margin were used. After dissection of all the adhesions behind the pancreatic tail deep in the retroperitoneal space a round structure 4 cm in diameter, macroscopically resembling splenic tissue, was found. The accessory spleen was removed intact. The patient recovered well; 2 months later steroids were discontinued while the thrombocyte level was 251 x 10(9)/L. Identification of accessory spleen seems to be major intraoperative problem. We believe that accessory spleen can be safely removed laparoscopically, avoiding a major open procedure, and a satisfactory postoperative result could be expected.     

Laparoscopic excision of accessory spleen

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy has become an accepted procedure in the management of several hematologic diseases. Less clear is the effectiveness of laparoscopic excision of accessory spleens after initial splenectomy in the management of recurrent hematologic disease. We report here our early experience of this technique. METHODS: All patients who underwent laparoscopic excision of accessory spleens (LEAS) after initial splenectomy were reviewed for preoperative studies, technical success, and effects on either platelet count or hemoglobin level. RESULTS: In 5 patients LEAS was attempted. Two patients had initial open splenectomies, and 3 had initial laparoscopic splenectomies. Hematologic diagnoses were immune thrombocytopenic purpura (3), chronic lymphocytic leukemia-induced thrombocytopenia (1), and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (1). All patients underwent preoperative damaged red blood cell scintigraphy, which demonstrated functioning splenic tissue, and abdominal computed tomography scans, which demonstrated a nodule in 4 of 5 patients. LEAS was technically successful in 4 patients, with the 1 failure also being the patient in whom the computed tomography scan could not demonstrate the accessory spleen. However, only 2 of the 4 patients after LEAS had durable hematologic responses to surgery, despite follow-up damaged red blood cell scintigraphy showing no residual functioning splenic tissue. CONCLUSION: LEAS can be technically successful when the accessory spleen is demonstrated on both damaged red blood cell scintigraphy and computed tomography scan; therefore, adequate visualization in both studies is required. However, hematologic response to excision may be less effective than with the initial splenectomy. Further study is needed to determine the causes of these outcomes.     

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

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

Splenectomy for primary and recurrent immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Current criteria for patient selection and results.

Of 565 patients with thrombocytopenia admitted to Duke University Hospital between 1975 and 1985, 100 had splenectomy. Ninety-eight patients had failed chronic immunosuppressive therapy and three patients had acute intracranial bleeding or total absence of platelets in the peripheral blood smear, and had urgent splenectomy. At primary splenectomy, accessory spleens were identified and resected in 18% of patients. There was no operative mortality. Fifty-eight patients had an excellent response to splenectomy and their steroids were tapered off within 3 weeks. Thirteen patients had a poor response to primary splenectomy of whom eight remitted spontaneously and five required accessory splenectomy resulting in complete remission in three patients. Twenty-nine patients were considered nonresponders, 25 of whom had radionuclide scanning for accessory spleens. Seven of these patients had accessory spleens identified but only four consented to accessory splenectomy. In three of the four patients, a complete remission was achieved. Neither platelet antibody titers nor measurements of platelet survival or turnover predicted platelet response to splenectomy. However, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in older patients was significantly less likely to respond to splenectomy. These data support continuing use of splenectomy in selected patients with ITP and an aggressive search for accessory spleens in patients who relapse since they are easily localized at operation by hand-held isotope detector probe.     

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

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

Immune thrombocytopenia: surgical therapy and predictors of response

We have reviewed 40 patients with immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) to assess current methods of preparation for surgery and to evaluate perioperative complications and response to splenectomy. Twenty-one patients had chronic ITP (greater than 1 year duration) and 19 patients had severe acute thrombocytopenia (platelet counts less than 10,000). A progression of methods of pretreatment was seen in the 10-year period reviewed. Seventeen patients received no treatment before admission for surgery, and 10 of these received platelet transfusions. Seventeen patients received steroids immediately preceding surgery; 16 of these responded and 1 received a platelet transfusion. Recently, 5 patients received intravenous gamma globulin (IgG) preceding surgery with all patients responding and none receiving platelet transfusions. One patient received a combination of steroids and IgG with good response and did not require platelet transfusion. No major postoperative complications occurred (ie, pancreatitis, small bowel obstruction, or sepsis) except for one patient requiring a secondary exploration for an accessory spleen and recurrent thrombocytopenia. Eight patients (20%), 6 with severe ITP and 2 with chronic ITP (5 males and 3 females) developed recurrence of thrombocytopenia following surgery up to 1 1/2 years after splenectomy. These patients all required further medical therapy. Three additional patients (2 chronic and 1 severe) developed thrombocytopenia following viral illnesses, but required no further therapy. Of the 8 surgical failures, 4 failed to respond to prior treatment with steroids, 1 to IgG, and 2 failed to respond to combination therapy, while one surgical failure responded to both steroid and combination therapy. Of the responders to splenectomy (32 patients), only 3 failed to respond to prior treatment with steroids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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

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

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura following liver transplantation: a case series and review of the literature.

Thrombocytopenia is common among liver transplant candidates and recipients. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and outcome of new-onset immune-mediated thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) following liver transplantation at a single center. Among the 256 liver transplant recipients with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition code for thrombocytopenia, 8 cases of new-onset ITP were identified, leading to an overall incidence of 0.7% in 1,105 consecutive liver transplant recipients over a 15-year period. All 8 patients were Caucasian, 5 (63%) were male, and the median age at ITP onset was 54 years (range, 15-63). The median platelet count at presentation was 3,500 cells/mL (range, 1,000-12,000) and liver disease was due to hepatitis C (38%), primary sclerosing cholangitis (38%), and cryptogenic cirrhosis (25%). The median time from transplant to ITP onset was 53.5 months (range, 1.9-173). Three of the 6 patients tested (50%) had cell-bound antiplatelet antibodies, 1 patient had an underlying hematological malignancy, and none of the organ donors had a history of ITP. Corticosteroids and/or immunoglobulin infusions were effective in 4 patients. However, serial rituximab infusions were required in 4 patients with persistent thrombocytopenia, and 3 of them eventually required splenectomy to induce disease remission. At a median follow-up of 19.7 months, 7 long-term survivors remain in remission with a median platelet count of 267,000 cells/mL. In conclusion, new-onset ITP is an infrequent but important cause of severe thrombocytopenia in liver transplant recipients. Corticosteroids and immunoglobulin infusions were effective in 50% while the remainder of patients required rituximab infusions or eventual splenectomy for long-term disease remission.     

Use of a laparoscopic hand-assist device for accessory splenectomy

Background The use of a laparoscopic hand-assist device may aid in the identification of accessory spleens (ASs) and provide similar benefits to a conventional laparoscopic procedure. A patient with previous splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic pupusa (ITP) and recurrent thrombocytopenia is reported.Method A computed tomography scan and RBC scan identified several nodules consistent with ASs. Initial laparoscopic exploration could not identify all the ASs seen on preoperative imaging. A hand-assist device was placed and a total of five nodules of splenic tissue were identified without conversion to laparotomy.Results The patient had a brief and uncomplicated postoperative course with a return of platelet counts to 350,000 at 1-month follow-up.Conclusion We propose that in the scenario of recurrent ITP following laparoscopic splenectomy, repeat laparoscopy is the first step once an AS is identified by preoperative imaging. If the AS is not identified at laparoscopy, the insertion of a hand-assist device is an alternative to a full laparotomy.Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Los Angeles, California, USA, March 2003     

Accessory Splenectomy with Gastroesophageal Devascularization for Recurrent Hypersplenism and Refractory Bleeding Varices in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis: Report of a Case

We report a case of recurrent thrombocytopenia associated with symptomatic enlargement of an accessory spleen, 2 years after splenectomy, in a 36-year-old man with posthepatitic liver cirrhosis. The patient suffered three episodes of variceal bleeding, but the esophageal varices were not eradicated by two sessions of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and endoscopic band ligation. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a giant accessory spleen (6 × 6 × 5cm), gallbladder stones, and complete postsplenectomy splenomesoportal thrombosis. Subsequent ^99mTc scintigraphy confirmed the presence of a functioning residual splenic nodule. Thus, we performed gastroesophageal devascularization (Hassab-Paquet procedure) with accessory splenectomy and cholecystectomy, after which the platelet count normalized and no further variceal bleeding occurred during 17 months of follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the English medical literature of accessory splenectomy for recurrent thrombocytopenia in a patient with liver cirrhosis.     

Cesarean section combined with splenectomy in severely resistant immune thrombocytopenia

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

Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a surgical disease

Background: We designed a study to assess the safety and long-term efficacy of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) for the treatment of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Methods: Over a period of 55 months, 104 patients underwent LS for chronic ITP. The perioperative course was documented and the long-term follow-up data were recorded. Results: The mean age was 36.9 years (range, 8-83) and 72 patients were female. Patients were operated on with a mean platelet count of 110,000/ml. Fifty-one patients were operated on with a platelet count of < 100,000; 18 of them had a count of < 50,000/ml and 11 had a count of < 10,000/ml. There were no conversions to laparotomy. Bleeding occurred in 14 patients, and five of them received a blood transfusion. The mean operating time was 56.5 min (range, 25-240). There were minor complications in five patients and major complications in three. The mean hospital stay was 2.1 days (range, 0-13). Over a mean follow-up period of 36 months (range, 4-62), all but four patients were available for follow-up. Eighty-four patients are in complete remission. Seven patients are in partial remission, with a platelet count of 50,000-100,000 \ml without medical treatment. Eleven patients did not respond or relapsed following a short initial response; three of them underwent later removal of an accessory spleen, two with partial response. All but two relapses occurred within 70 days of the operation. Conclusion: LS is safe and effective for the treatment of chronic ITP and yields excellent long-term results. Until another form of treatment emerges, LS should be considered the treatment of choice for this disease and recommended to the patient at an early stage of the disease.     

Predictors of response after laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Background: Splenectomy has been shown to produce long term remission in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). With the development of laparoscopic splenectomy, there is renewed interest in the surgical treatment of ITP. The aim of this study was to identify factors that are predictive of outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP. Methods: A case series of 67 consecutive patients with ITP undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy was reviewed. A positive response was defined as a postoperative platelet count greater than 150,000/ml requiring no maintenance medical therapy on follow-up evaluation. A chi-square test and a stepwise logistic regression analysis were performed for the following variables: age, gender, preoperative response to steroids, duration of disease, severity of preoperative bleeding, accessory spleens, and thrombocytosis on discharge. Results: At a median follow-up period of 38 months (range, 2--56 months), 52 patients (78%) had a positive response to laparoscopic splenectomy. Of the 15 patients (22%) who did not have a positive response, 11 were refractory and 4 relapsed. All relapses occurred in patients with a platelet count less than 150,000/ml at discharge. Patient age was the most significant predictive factor for success or failure of the operation. The median age of the responders (31 years; range, 19--71 years) was significantly lower than the median age of the nonresponders (49 years; range, 24--62; p < 0.001). Only 5.6% of those younger than 40 years did not have a positive response, compared with 42% of patients older than 40 years (p < 0.05). Patient age was significantly associated with outcome on univariable chi-square analysis (p = 0.001), and was the only significant factor on multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.71--4.1). Other significant predictors of outcome on univariable analysis were preoperative response to corticosteroids and platelet count on discharge. Conclusions: A long-lasting response after splenectomy for ITP is more likely to occur in patients younger than 40 years of age. To avoid the long-term side effects of corticosteroid use, early surgical referral of younger patients with ITP should be considered. apd: 6 February 2001     

难治性特发性血小板减少型紫癜脾切除的临床分析

目的:探讨脾切除对难治性特发性血小板减少性紫癜的治疗效果及影响因素.方法:回顾15年中行脾切除术治疗难治性ITP患者62例的临床资料,分析年龄、性别、术前有无出血、术前对激素的反应、脾脏是否肿大、术后血小板峰值与脾切除疗效之间的关系.结果:62例中,显效34例,良效13例,进步10例,无效5例;有效率(显效+良效)为75.8％.性别和脾脏是否肿大与脾切除术疗效无关(均P＞0.05);有无出血症状、年龄、术后血小板峰值、骨髓巨核细胞数等因素分组间差异具有统计学意义(均P＜0.05);多因素分析表明,术前对激素的反应及术前血小板计数对脾切除疗效是主要的影响因素(均P＜0.05).结论:术前对激素的反应及术前血小板计数可作为脾切除术的疗效预测指标.     

Laparoscopic management of accessory spleens in immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Background: A disparity exists between the incidence of accessory spleens reported in the open (15–30%) versus the laparoscopic (0–12%) literature. This disparity implies that a percentage of laparoscopic patients will require a reoperation for accessory splenectomy. We present our experience with the laparoscopic management of accessory spleens discovered after primary splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Methods: Seventeen patients who underwent primary splenectomy for ITP were reviewed (1 open, 16 laparoscopic). In the laparoscopic group, the incidence of accessory spleens was 3 in 16 (19%). In 1 of these 3 patients, the accessory spleen was found and removed at the initial operation, whereas in 2 of the 16 patients (13%), the accessory spleens were missed. A third patient, whose initial operation was open, presented with recurrent thrombocytopenia after primary splenectomy. After recurrent thrombocytopenia developed, radio nuclide spleen scans were performed showing accessory spleens in all three patients. These three patients underwent accessory splenectomy using a four-port laparoscopic approach. Results: Laparoscopic accessory splenectomy was successfully performed in all three patients. Location of accessory spleens correlated with the spleen scan in each case. Mean operation time was 180 min. There were no conversions to open surgery and no complications. All patients were discharged from the hospital on postoperation day 1. The three patients had a good clinical response and were weaned effectively from their steroid medications. Conclusions: Patients undergoing a laparoscopic splenectomy for chronic ITP have a higher probability of requiring a reoperation for a missed accessory spleen. To minimize missing an accessory spleen, a systematic search should be made at the beginning of the laparoscopic operation. We have found that preoperation imaging with heat-treated erythrocyte scans is valuable for locating accessory spleens before reoperation. When reoperation for accessory splenectomy is necessary, a laparoscopic approach is safe and effective. Received: 22 July 1998/Accepted: 13 October 1998     

Single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy with innovative gastric traction suture

Laparoscopic splenectomy is now the gold standard for patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) undergoing splenectomy. There are a few reports in literature on single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) splenectomy. Herein, we describe a patient undergoing SIL splenectomy for ITP without the use of a disposable port device. We report a 20-year-old female patient with steroid-refractory ITP having a platelet count of 14,000/cmm who underwent a SIL splenectomy. Dissection was facilitated by the use of a single articulating grasper and a gastric traction suture and splenic vessels were secured at the hilum with an endo-GIA stapler. She made an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged on the second postoperative day. She is doing well with no visible scar at 8-month follow-up.     

Laparoscopic accessory splenectomy using intraoperative gamma probe guidance

In cases of accessory splenic tissue in postsplenectomy patients, it is of utmost importance to localize the accessory spleen prior to surgery. Several studies have shown the feasibility of laparoscopic resection of accessory splenic tissue using preoperative scintigraphy. We present the cases of three postsplenectomy patients with accessory splenic tissue causing relapsing hematologic disease. Accessory spleens were diagnosed and localized preoperatively by positive uptake of heat-damaged Tc99m-labeled red blood cells using scintigraphy. Two patients with relapse of immune thrombocytopenic purpura and one with hemolytic anemia underwent handheld gamma probe-assisted laparoscopic accessory splenectomy. One patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura recovered his platelet count at 3-year follow-up. The other patient had a relapse of disease within 3 months despite successful removal of the accessory spleen. The patient with hemolytic anemia had postoperative relapse; two accessory spleens were identified on radionuclide investigation. The use of intraoperative nuclear imaging can greatly aid in localization and provide confirmation of complete laparoscopic excision of the nuclear focus. The technique is especially useful in cases of a small accessory spleen, by avoiding a major open procedure and contributing to good postoperative results.     

Laparoscopic surgery for splenic disorders

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has recently been gaining acceptance as an alternative to open splenectomy. However, several aspects, such as learning curve, residual splenic function, and management of large spleens, remain controversial. In this paper we present the analysis of technical details and immediate and late outcome of a consecutive series of 64 cases of splenic disorders approached by laparoscopy. Between Feb-1993 and April-1997, 64 patients with a wide range of splenic disorders were treated by laparoscopy, and prospectively recorded. Age, body mass index, operative time, number of trocars, perioperative transfusion, spleen weight, conversion rate, mode of spleen retrieval (bag or accessory incision), postoperative analgesia, stay and morbidity were analyzed. Late failures after LS were reevaluated with ^99mTc-heat-damaged red blood cells scintigraphy and CT. LS was performed in 61 patients, and two cases with splenic cyst and one splenic artery aneurysm received a laparoscopic partial cystectomy and aneurysmectomy. LS was performed through an anterior approach in 12 patients and laterally in 49. Conversion rate was 6.5%. Accessory spleens were found in 7 patients (7/61, 11.5%). Morbidity was 16%. There was no correlation between the weight of the spleen, platelet count or obesity with operative time. A lateral approach was associated with a decrease in operative time (p < 0.002), postoperative stay (p < 0.001), transfusion (p < 0.04) and number of trocars (p < 0.001). Operative time was significantly longer in large spleens (>1000 gr) (p < 0.001). However, there were no differences in transfusion rate, stay, morbidity or conversion rate. After a follow up of 12 m, 10 patients revealed a low platelet count. Scintigraphy showed residual splenic tissue in 3 (ITP). A wide range of splenic disorders can be treated by laparoscopy, including enlarged spleens. This technique should be continually audited, but initial results reflect the approach's safety and advantages provided that great technical care is taken and an exhaustive search for accessory spleens is conducted. Received: 29 January 1997/Accepted: 22 May 1997     

Therapeutic Splenectomy in Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

The effects of splenectomy in 41 patients managed from 1982 to 1995 at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), India, were studied. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was the main indication for therapeutic splenectomy among all the hematologic disorders. The mean age was 30 years (range 7–64), and the male to female ratio was 1.05:1. The mean platelet count in the preoperative period was 31,751/mm³ (range 4000–85,000). All patients presented with thrombocytopenia, i.e., platelet count of <100,000/mm³. In addition, 5 patients presented with anemia, i.e., Hb <10 g%. Among the patients with thrombocytopenia, 30 patients presented with counts <50,000/mm³ and 11 patients presented with counts between 50,000–100,000/mm³. None of the patients presented with leukopenia. The morbidity observed was 15% and mortality was 2%. The response to splenectomy was complete for thrombocytopenia in 3 patients and partial in 5 patients; 4 patients failed to show any response. In anemic patients, 4 patients showed complete response and 1 patient showed no response. The prognosis was excellent in patients with platelet count >50,000/mm³, age <50 years, no concomitant disease, and disease of shorter duration.