A comparison of robotic-assisted splenectomy and laparoscopic splenectomy for children with hematologic disorders

IntroductionLaparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the standard of care for hematologic disorders requiring splenectomy. Less is known about the outcomes following robotic-assisted splenectomy (RS) for this indication. Our aim was to describe outcomes of RS to LS in pediatric patients with hematologic disorders in our institution.MethodsA single institution retrospective review was performed of pediatric patients undergoing LS vs. RS from 2014 to 2019. Patient demographics, diagnosis, spleen size, hospital length of stay (LOS), operative time, post-operative opioid use, and hospital charges were evaluated. Standard univariate analyses were performed.ResultsTwenty-four patients were included in the study (14 LS, 10 RS). The mean spleen size at the time of surgery was larger in the RS group compared to LS (14.5 cm vs. 12.2 cm, p = 0.03). Operative time between the two cohorts was comparable (RS 140.5 vs LS 154.9 min). Median LOS for RS was shorter than LS (2.1 vs. 3.2 days, p = 0.02). Cumulative postoperative opioid analgesic requirements were not significantly different between the groups (17.4 mg vs. 30.5 mg). The median hospital charges, including the surgical procedure and hospital stay were higher in the RS group ($44,724 RS vs $30,255 LS, p = 0.01).ConclusionRobotic splenectomy is a safe and feasible option for pediatric patients with hematologic disorders, and was associated with decreased LOS but higher charges compared to laparoscopic splenectomy. Further studies are required to delineate the optimal use and potential benefits of robot-assisted surgical techniques in children.Level of EvidenceII.     

Long-term outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy related to hematologic diagnosis

Background Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has been demonstrated as an effective and safe treatment for hematological disorders requiring spleen removal, especially in cases of normal-sized spleens. However, although results are promising, long-term outcome data are lacking. We reviewed our clinical experience with LS in a series of 255 cases, with particular attention to the long-term outcome related to the disease process requiring LS.Methods From February 1993 to October 2003, LS was attempted in 255 patients (100 males and 155 females with a mean age of 45 ± 19 years) and clinical information was recorded in a prospective database. Indications for splenectomy included idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (n = 115), HIV-ITP (n = 9), Evans syndrome (n = 6), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) (n = 13), hereditary spherocytosis (HS) (n = 19), hematologic malignancy (n = 66), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (n = 1), and others (n = 26). Long-term postoperative follow-up evaluation was obtained through clinical notes, follow-up visits by the referring hematologist, and by phone interviews both with patients and with the referring hematologist.Results A total of 186 patients (73%) were available for a mean follow-up of 35 months (range, 1–104). Of the ITP patients, 87 (76%) were followed up, with a remission rate of 89% (complete remission in 75%). A similar remission rate was observed in ITP-HIV; in patients available for follow-up (78%), complete remission was achieved in 83%. In Evans, complete remission was achieved in all patients available for follow-up (67%). Clinical response for hemolytic disease ranged between 70% for AIHA and 100% for HS. In the malignant group, the late mortality rate was 22%. The mortality rate in the miscellaneous group was 5%. No cases of splenectomy-related sepsis occurred during follow-up.Conclusions LS offers advantages for all types of splenic diseases requiring surgery. It provides not only good clinical short-term outcome but also satisfactory long-term hematological results.Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Los Angeles, California, USA, March 2003     

Portal vein thrombosis after laparoscopic splenectomy in benign hematologic diseases

INTRODUCTION: Portal vein thrombosis is an unfrequent, but potentially deadly, complication of the laparoscopic splenectomy procedure. The laparoscopic approach has shortened the duration of hospital stay; portal vein thrombosis may appear after the patient has left the hospital, determining a later diagnosis. Because of the mild, nonspecific symptoms, the diagnosis can even be missed and only achieved when chronic complications take place. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to determine the appearance of portal vein thrombosis in a consecutive series of patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy by performing a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan postoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A transversal study was established, performing in 2005 a contrast-enhanced CT scan on 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy between 1999 and 2005 at Ramón y Cajal University Hospital (Madrid, Spain). The presence of thrombosis in the splenoportomesenteric axis was investigated. Results: Two (2) cases (10%) of portal vein thrombosis were detected: 1 symptomatic case, 7 days after surgery, was treated with anticoagulation, resulting in the disappearance of the thrombus in a new CT scan 6 months later; the second case was asymptomatic and was discovered during the performance of this study. CONCLUSIONS: The contrast-enhanced CT scan shows the best accuracy for the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis, and it must be performed when any clinical manifestation appear; also, it must still be determined if a contrast-enhanced CT scan should be systematically performed in high-risk thromboembolic patients. An ultrasound Doppler may present many diagnostic errors. It is probably advisable to prolong the antithromboembolic prophylaxis.     

Grasper-assisted versus traditional laparoscopic splenectomy in the management of hematologic disorders

OBJECTIVE: To compare the technical benefits of grasper-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) with traditional LS. METHODS: The study comprised 27 consecutive patients who were admitted to our hospital from 1998 to 2002 and underwent LS: 13 patients underwent traditional LS (group 1), and 14 had grasper-assisted LS (group 2). RESULTS: In both groups, the most common indication for LS was idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. There was no difference between the groups in the demographic characteristics of patients. All splenectomies were performed in the right semidecubitus position, using four or five trocars. Conversion to open surgery was required in one patient (7.7%) in group 1 and in one patient (7.1%) in group 2. Both conversions occurred during the initial 16 operations and no conversion occurred during the subsequent 11 operations. The mean operating time was significantly shorter for group 2 (132 minutes) than for group 1 (154 minutes) (P <.005). Mean estimated blood loss (201 vs. 282 mL) was also lower in group 2 than in group 1 (P <.05). The mean length of hospital stay was 3.3 days in group 1 and 2.4 days in group 2 (P >.05). CONCLUSION: Grasper-assisted LS is both safe and feasible in patients with hematologic diseases. This technique can be preferred in order to grasp and position the spleen during the surgery.     

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.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for hematologic malignancies

BACKGROUND: Patients with hematologic malignancy (HM) tend to have large spleens. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic splenectomy for patients with HM to those with benign disease (BD). METHODS: A review was conducted of a prospectively accumulated database of 64 consecutive, unselected laparoscopic splenectomies performed by two surgeons between March 1992 and August 1997. RESULTS: Of 14 patients with HM (7 lymphoma, 6 leukemia, 1 myeloid metaplasia), three required conversion to open splenectomy (21%). In the remaining 11 patients, two had postoperation complications (18%), including one death from sepsis (9%). Of 50 patients with BD (36 idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura [ITP], 5 spherocytosis, 4 hemolytic anemia, and 5 others), three were converted to open surgery (6%). Complications developed in 5 (11%) of the remaining 47 patients. No deaths occurred. All patients who had spleens larger than 27 cm in diameter required conversion. Patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy for HM were older (54 +/- 16 years vs. 36 +/- 18 years; p = 0.002), had larger spleens (median 17.0 cm vs. 11.0 cm; p < 0.001), and had lower preoperation hemoglobin levels (113 +/- 30 g/L vs. 132 +/- 23 g/L; p = 0.03) than patients with BD. The HM group required longer operation time (239 +/- 73 min vs. 180 +/- 61 min; p < 0.01), but showed no differences with respect to operation blood loss (median, 100 vs. 165 mL), requirement for transfusion (median, 0.0 vs. 0.0 units), and length of hospital stay (median 3.0 vs. 3.0 days). CONCLUSIONS: Although patients with HM had larger spleens and required longer operation time for laparoscopic splenectomy, surgical outcomes were equivalent. The laparoscopic approach should be preferred, even for patients with HM. The only limitation appears to be splenic size greater than 27 cm.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy

Laparoscopic splenectomy is performed routinely in patients with small and moderately enlarged spleens at specialized centers. Large spleens are difficult to handle laparoscopically and hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy might facilitate the procedure through enhanced vascular control, easier retraction and manipulation, manual guidance of endostaplers, and clip appliers. A technique of hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy is described. Received: 4 August 2000/Accepted: 4 August 2000/Online publication: 18 October 2000     

Pediatric laparoscopic splenectomy

Background: Lateral laparoscopic splenectomy in adults, first reported in 1991, was begun with children in 1993. Methods: The authors reviewed records of 59 patients 2 to 17 years old who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy by the lateral approach between 1994 and 1998 at four medical centers. Patients received prophylactic penicillin or vaccinations preoperatively. Results: Of the 59 patients, 51 required splenectomy for one of the following conditions: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hereditary spherocytosis, or sickle-cell disease. Splenomegaly was found in 86% of the patients, and ten accessory spleens were resected. No deaths or infection occurred, and only three patients had perioperative complications: acute chest crisis, small diaphragmatic injury, and intraoperative hemorrhage. One operation was converted to a minilaparatomy because of difficulty with specimen extraction. Conclusions: Pediatric laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and effective, resulting in little blood loss, rapid recovery, and a good cosmetic outcome. Received: 12 February 1999/Accepted: 24 September 1999/Online publication: 8 May 2000     

手助的腹腔镜脾切除术

本文报道用手助技术完成腹腔镜脾切除术治疗1例原发性血小板减少性紫癜症。2．5h完成手术，术中出血少。3天之内恢复。手助腹腔镜脾切除术操作安全、手术时间缩短，并使腹腔镜技术切除较大脾脏成为可能。     

Optimizing laparoscopic splenectomy

Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS), like other advanced laparoscopic procedures, is still an evolving procedure. The indications for surgery, criteria for patient selection, and operative technique are not yet well defined. We have therefore modified the standard technique for performing LS in an attempt to optimize the procedure. Methods: Over the past 2 years, we have performed LS in 59 patients. The last 43 patients were operated using a standardized technique that we believe to be optimal. It includes the routine use of the right lateral position, operating through three trocars, the mass transection of the splenic vasculature with a vascular endoscopic stapler, and the use of a self-retaining retrieval bag. Results: The average operating time was 79 min. Average blood loss was 95 cc, and average postoperative hospitalization was 2.3 days. There was one intraoperative complication and one postoperative complication. These results are superior to those we achieved earlier in our own experience, as well as to similar series that have been published recently. Conclusions: In our experience, the use of this new technique resulted in relatively short procedures with low morbidity. We believe that these results justify the use of LS as the procedure of choice for elective splenectomy in patients with normal or moderately enlarged spleens.     

Single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a rapidly evolving field as a bridge between traditional laparoscopic surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. We present a case of SILS splenectomy performed with conventional laparoscopic instruments in a 7-month-old boy with the diagnosis of multiple splenic abscesses. A 3-cm umbilical incision was used for the placement of two (5 mm) trocars and one 10-mm videoscope (30°). Conventional laparoscopic dissector and grasper were the main tools during surgical procedure. Spleen was removed through the umbilical incision. Although procedures like aingle-incision cholecystectomy have been reported, to the best of our knowledge this is the first report of SILS splenectomy using conventional laparoscopic instruments reported from India and is perhaps the first in an infant in the world literature.     

手助的腹腔镜脾切除术

目的 探讨手助的腹腔镜脾切除术手术技术。方法用手助技术完成5例腹腔镜脾切除术，其中原发性血小板减少性紫癜3例，血吸虫性肝硬化、脾肿大及脾功能亢进伴胆囊结石2例。3例行手助的腹腔镜脾切除术，2例同时行腹腔镜胆囊切除术 手助腹腔镜巨脾切除。结果 2～5h完成手术，术中出血少。病人术后恢复顺利。结论 手助腹腔镜脾切除术操作安全、手术时间缩短，并使腹腔镜切除较大脾脏成为可能。     

手助腹腔镜脾切除术

目的　探讨手助腹腔镜脾切除术手术技术。　方法　用手助腹腔镜技术完成 5例腹腔镜脾切除术 ,其中原发性血小板减少性紫癜 (ITP) 3例 ,血吸虫性肝硬变、脾肿大及脾功能亢进伴胆囊结石2例。 3例行手助腹腔镜脾切除术 ;2例同时行腹腔镜胆囊切除与手助腹腔镜巨脾切除。　结果　 2h～ 5h完成手术 ,术中出血少。患者术后恢复顺利。　结论　手助腹腔镜脾切除术操作安全、手术时间短 ,并使腹腔镜切除较大脾脏成为可能。     

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

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

Complications of laparoscopic splenectomy

HYPOTHESIS: Analysis of the type and characteristics of complications after laparoscopic splenectomy may permit the identification of clinical factors with predictive value for the development of complications. DESIGN: Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors related to complications in a prospective series of laparoscopic splenectomies. SETTING: A large tertiary referral university-teaching general hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-two nonselected consecutive patients, in whom laparoscopic splenectomy was attempted between February 1993 and July 1999. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic splenectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Immediate complications classified according to the Clavien score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed of complications related to age, sex, body mass index, and malignant nature of the hematologic disease; preoperative hematocrit and platelet count; operative time; operative position; need of accessory incision; transfusion status; learning curve; and existence of comorbid diseases. RESULTS: One hundred thirteen laparoscopic splenectomies were completed (conversion rate, 7.4%). Twenty patients (18%) developed 23 complications. All were Clavien type I or II, without mortality. One complication was intraoperative (diaphragmatic perforation), and 22 were postoperative: 6 pulmonary (26%), 3 fever (13%), 8 hemorrhagic (35%) (5 episodes of postoperative bleeding and 3 abdominal wall hematomas), and 6 others (26%). Ten (43%) of the 23 were technically related. Univariate analysis showed that complications were only related to age (mean +/- SD, 55 +/- 15 vs 39 +/- 17 years; P<.008) or transfusion (50% vs 11%; P<.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the learning curve (P<.005; 95% confidence interval, 2.46), age (P<.001; 95% confidence interval, 1. 04), spleen weight (P<.009; 95% confidence interval, 1.00), and malignant neoplasm diagnosis (P<.007; 95% confidence interval, 3.82) were independent predictors of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible, and the incidence of severe complications is reduced. However, a high proportion of these complications are technique related. Laparoscopic splenectomy requires great technical care but offers major clinical advantages, even in less favorable situations, such as in patients with splenomegaly or with malignant neoplasms.     

Late results of splenectomy in hematologic disorders

During the past 27 years from 1944 to 1970 splenectomy was performed on 53 patients including 33 idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), 13 hereditary spherocytosis and 7 hypoplastic anemia. Their clinical and laboratory findings in immediate and late postoperative periods were compared with those received medical treatment alone. In the chronic form of ITP the effect of medical treatment alone is only transitory and not curative. Splenectomy seems to be the treatment of choice in this situation which produces long term favorable results regardless of patient's response to preoperative steroid treatment. In hereditary spherocytosis the improvement in the morphology of red blood cells was limited after splenectomy, but considerable improvement was achieved in hemolytic tendency. Therefore, splenectomy would be the first choice. In hypoplastic anemia splenectomy did not produce, in general, favorable results as compared in ITP or hereditary spherocytosis. However, when the patient responded to steroid treatment preoperatively, splenectomy could have reduced the frequency and amount of blood transfusion. Splenectomy would then be contemplated in such situations.     

腹腔镜脾切除术与开腹脾切除术的疗效观察

目的：比较腹腔镜脾切除术（LS）与开腹脾切除术（OS）的临床疗效。方法2011年7月至2013年7月,选择同期分别行腹腔镜脾切除术（腹腔镜组）和开腹脾切除术（开腹组）的患者,各12例。对比分析两组患者的临床资料,包括手术时间、术中出血量、禁食时间、术后切口疼痛评分、术后住院时间等。结果与开腹组相比,腹腔镜组患者的手术时间[（170±9.7）minvs（89±4.4）min,t=24.087]、术后禁食时间[（40±8.4）hvs（68±5.8）h,t=8.558]以及术后住院时间[（7.3±0.8）d vs（13.2±0.9）d,t=-15.122]更短,术中出血量更少[（94±4.7）ml vs（170±20.7）ml,t=-11.355],术后第1天切口疼痛评分[（3.1±0.8）分vs（5.5±0.5）分,t=8.813]和第3天评分[（1.2±0.4）分vs（2.7±0.5）分,t=8.115]明显优于开腹组,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.01）。结论腹腔镜脾切除术具有创伤小、术后恢复快、并发症发生率低等特点,值得临床推广应用。