Laparoscopic partial vs total splenectomy in children with hereditary spherocytosis

Background

Open partial splenectomy provides reversal of anemia and relief of symptomatic splenomegaly while theoretically retaining splenic immune function for hereditary spherocytosis. We recently developed a laparoscopic approach for partial splenectomy. The purpose of the present study is to compare the outcomes in a group of patients undergoing laparoscopic partial splenectomy (LPS) with those in a group of children undergoing laparoscopic total splenectomy (LTS) over the same period.

Methods

Systematic chart review was conducted of all children with hereditary spherocytosis who had LTS or LPS from 2000 to 2006 at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. T tests were used for continuous data, and χ² for proportional data; P value of less than .05 was considered significant.

Results

There were 9 patients (14 males) in each group. Groups were similar in sex, age, concomitant cholecystectomy, and preoperative hospitalizations, transfusions, and spleen size. Estimated blood loss was greater in the LPS group (188 + 53 vs 67 + 17 mL; P = .02), but transfusion requirements were similar (1/9 vs 0/9). Complication rate was similar between groups. The LPS group had higher morphine use (4.1 + 0.6 vs 2.4 + 0.2 days; P = .03), greater time to oral intake (4.4 + 0.7 vs 2.0 + 0.2 days; P = .01), and longer hospital stay (6.3 + 1.0 vs 2.7 + 0.3 days; P = .005) than the LTS group. Nuclear scan 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively demonstrated residual perfused splenic tissue in all LPS patients. No completion splenectomy was necessary after a mean follow-up of 25 months.

Conclusion

These data suggest that LPS is as effective as LTS for control of symptoms. However, LPS is associated with more pain, longer time to oral intake, and longer hospital stay. These disadvantages may be balanced by retained splenic immune function, but further studies are required to assess long-term splenic function in these patients.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy in children

To determine the safety and efficiacy of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in children, a retrospective review of our preliminary experience using LS was compared to results in patients who previously underwent open splenectomy (OS). From July 1993 to January 1995, we performed eight LS procedures in six children with hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and two with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was simultaneously done in one case with HS. There were 4 males and 4 females who ranged in age from 5 to 15 years—an average age of 8.8 years. Two cases in the early series required a counterincision because of bleeding. Eleven patients who previously underwent OS in our department were used to compare demographics, operative courses, and surgical outcomes. The ages, genders, diseases, body weights, and spleen weights were comparable between LS group and OS groups. The operative time for the LS group was statistically longer than for the OS group (226±24 min vs 101±8 min, P<0.001). The estimated blood loss in the LS group was similar to that of the OS group (100±39 ml vs 73±11 ml, P=0.97). There were no peri- or postoperative complications in two groups. The postoperative hospital stay of LS group was statistically shorter than that of the OS (6.8±0.6 days vs 10.4±0.5 days, P<0.001). LS provided better cosmesis and minimized trauma in children over OS. LS appears to be a safe and effective procedure in children, and is useful in the management of pediatric patients with HS or ITP.Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Orlando, Florida, USA, 11–14 March 1995     

Laparoscopic splenectomy in blunt trauma.

We describe the first reported use of laparoscopic splenectomy as initial treatment in high-grade blunt splenic trauma. A 21-year-old man sustained a blow to the left flank from a large construction pipe and was transferred to our hospital with a grade V splenic laceration and a grade II left peri-renal hematoma with hematuria. He was hemodynamically stable. He underwent a laparoscopic splenectomy shortly after arrival. The patient's renal injury was managed nonoperatively, and he was discharged home with no complications and has remained well.     

Institutional experience with laparoscopic partial splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis

Background/Purpose

Moderate to severe hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is treated with splenectomy. However, total splenectomy leads to decreased immunologic function with the risk of overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis. Splenic preservation is postulated as a method to avoid this potentially fatal complication. Although mainly performed through laparotomy, we report our experience with a laparoscopic approach to partial splenectomy for HS.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on 9 laparoscopic partial splenectomies performed for HS at our institution. Follow-up was from 1 to 3.5 years. Data included preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, absolute reticulocyte count, splenic size, operative time, complications, and length of stay.

Results

All patients successfully underwent laparoscopic partial splenectomy with a radiologically determined upper-pole remnant of 10% to 30% and preservation of the blood supply through the upper short gastric arteries. The mean preoperative spleen length was 13 cm. Mean hospital stay was 3.6 days (range, 1-6 days). There was 1 intraoperative complication (a small bowel tear during spleen extraction) and 2 minor postoperative complications (ileus and wound infection). One patient underwent completion total splenectomy 2 years after partial splenectomy.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic partial splenectomy is a feasible and effective procedure that addresses the hematologic consequences of HS while retaining a portion of functional spleen, in addition to conferring the advantages of laparoscopy.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy

We describe the clinical course of 23 patients considered for laparoscopic splenectomy. One patient was excluded on the basis of preoperative angiography findings, and two (9%) were converted to open surgery. In the remaining 20 patients who successfully underwent laparoscopic splenectomy, no mortality was reported; four postoperative complications (20% morbidity) occurred. Mean operating time was 3 h 35 min (135–300 min). After a mean postoperative stay of 3.9 days (2–9 days), all patients except two were back to normal activities within 2 weeks of hospital discharge. Preoperative splenic artery embolization, begun with the third patient, helped to reduce operative blood loss and made the procedure easier to perform. Laparoscopic splenectomy has become our procedure of choice for elective removal of normalsized (<11 cm long) or moderately enlarged (11–20 cm long) spleens.Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 18–19 April 1994     

腹腔镜脾切除治疗外伤性脾破裂

目的探讨采用腹腔镜脾切除的方法治疗外伤性脾破裂的可行性. 方法 2004年8月～2005年5月我院采用腹腔镜脾切除方法治疗外伤性脾破裂8例. 结果 7例顺利完成腹腔镜脾切除术,1例改行手辅助腹腔镜脾切除术成功.手术时间150～200 min,平均180 min.术中出血量600～5 500 ml,平均2 200 ml.Ⅱ级损伤5例,Ⅲ级3例,术后恢复佳,无并发症. 结论腹腔镜脾切除治疗外伤性脾破裂安全、可行.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for lymphoproliferative disease

Background: Elective laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) achieves excellent results for benign hematologic diseases. The role of LS for hematologic malignancies is harder to define owing to associated splenomegaly and patient disease that may alter outcome. Methods: Retrospective review of single institution experience 1996 through 2002. To limit variability of disease processes, only patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) were studied. Results: A total of 211 LS have been performed, including 73 for LPD and 86 for ITP. Patients with LPD were significantly older, 61 vs 46 years p<0.001; male, 45 (62%) vs 33 (38%), p<0.001; and larger splenic weight, 680 vs 162 g, p<0.001. Fifty-nine patients (81%) with LPD were operated with standard LS with a conversion rate of 15%. Hand-assisted LS was performed in 14 patients (19%), and three were converted to open. Compared to ITP, patients with LPD had longer operative time, 148 vs 126 min, p<0001, and higher blood loss, 200 vs 100 cc, p = 0.004. There was one mortality (0.6%), and morbidity occurred in six patients (8%) with LPD and seven (8%) with ITP. The median length of stay was 3 days for LPD and 2 days for ITP, p = 0.03. Forty-six patients were principally operated for a diagnosis, and 27 (60%) were found to have lymphoma. Conclusions: LS can be performed safely in patients with LPD, and when used judiciously with hand-assisted techniques can be performed with low conversion and morbidity rates. Splenectomy plays an important role in establishing the diagnosis of lymphoma in LPD.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy in a patient with acquired angioneurotic edema.

BACKGROUND: We report the case of a 77-year-old female with acquired angioneurotic edema, C1 esterase inhibitor level = 4mg/dL, who was scheduled to undergo laparoscopic splenectomy. METHODS: In the operating room, we administered on call 500 units (UI) of C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate intravenously. Intraoperative hemodynamic instability and generalized blood oozing improved following the administration of aprotinin 250000 UI intravenous (IV) drip. CONCLUSION: We recommend the administration of an antifibrinolytic agent in addition to C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate in patients with acquired angioneurotic edema.     

Partial splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis: a multi-institutional review

Background/Purpose

Partial splenectomy has emerged as a surgical option for selected children with hereditary spherocytosis, with the goal of reducing anemia while preserving splenic function. This multi-institutional study is the largest series to date examining outcomes data for partial splenectomy in patients with hereditary spherocytosis.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from 5 North American pediatric hospitals. Sixty-two children underwent partial splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis between 1990 and 2008.

Results

At 1 year following partial splenectomy, mean hemoglobin significantly increased by 3.0 ± 1.4 g/dL (n = 52), reticulocyte count decreased by 6.6% ± 6.6% (n = 41), and bilirubin level decreased by 1.3 ± 0.9 mg/dL (n = 25). Patients with poor or transient hematologic response were found to have significantly more splenic regeneration postoperatively compared with patients with a durable clinical response (maximal spleen dimension, 9.0 ± 3.4 vs 6.3 ± 2.2 cm). Clinically significant recurrence of anemia or abdominal pain led to completion splenectomy in 4.84% of patients. No patients developed postsplenectomy sepsis.

Conclusions

Our multi-institutional review indicates that partial splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis leads to sustained and clinically significant improvement in hematologic profiles and clinical symptoms in most patients. Our data support partial splenectomy as an alternative for selected children with hereditary spherocytosis.     

腹腔镜脾切除术32例报告

目的探讨腹腔镜脾切除术（laparoscopic splenectomy，LS）的可行性。方法我院1999年6月-2005年12月行LS32例，超声刀游离脾周韧带，血管切割缝合器离断脾蒂，脾脏装入塑料袋剪碎取出。结果LS成功29例，手术时间60-270min，平均100min；术中出血量30-1000ml，平均230ml。术后住院3—7d，平均5d，无术后并发症。3例中转开腹，1例为脾蒂出血，1例为胃短血管出血，1例为脾周围炎粘连紧密出血。22例特发性血小板减少性紫癜中18例血小板恢复正常，4例术后无升高。2例溶血性贫血术后血红蛋白升高。4例肝炎后肝硬化合并脾功能亢进者术后血小板恢复正常。结论腹腔镜脾切除术安全可行．尤其适合于血液系统疾病中须行脾切除者及脾脏本身病变者。     

Laparoscopic splenectomy — technical aspects

Summary Since the recent development of endoscopic cholecystectomy various other digestive disorders have been treated endoscopically. Using the endo-GIA stapler the authors report a case of laparoscopic splenectomy. Five trocar sheaths were used. Once detached, the spleen was cut into fragments in a plastic bag intraabdominally, which allowed its removal. Splenectomy was performed for a girl who had an autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). No operative transfusion was required. The patient was discharged after an uncomplicated postoperative recovery. The cosmetic result is good.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for solitary splenic tumors

Background  Solitary splenic masses are a rare entity. There is a paucity of data in the literature on the evaluation and laparoscopic treatment for splenic masses. To further elucidate the evaluation and laparoscopic management of splenic masses we evaluated our own data. Materials and methods  Data was collected retrospectively for all patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in our institution for the diagnosis of a solid mass. Patients’ charts were reviewed. Complementary data was completed when needed by telephone interviews. Results  28 patients underwent LS for solid splenic masses between 1997 and 2006. Mean age was 54.3 years and 68% were women. Patients’ symptoms included abdominal pain (46.5%), anemia (32%), weight loss (21%), and palpable abdominal mass (21%). Fifty-three percent were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Preoperative patients’ imaging included computed tomography (92.8%), abdominal ultrasound (71.4%), and positron emission tomography (PET, 32%). Seven patients (25%) had a history of lymphoproliferative disease. The mass size as measured by computed tomography (CT) scan ranged from 4 to 11 cm. Three patients (10.7%) had multiple splenic lesions. Mean operative time was 125 min. Mean estimated blood loss was 200 ml. Five patients (17.9%) had massive splenomegaly. Conversion rate was 14.3%. In three patients (10.7%) the spleen was removed with additional organs’ tissue (stomach and pancreas). Two patients (7.1%) were reoperated. There was no postoperative mortality. Mean hospital stay was 4.7 days. Four patients (14.3%) were readmitted due to complications. Pathology revealed eight patients (28%) with benign tumors and the rest (71.4%) with malignant lymphoma. Conclusions  Splenic solid tumor is a rare entity. Most of the cases were eventually diagnosed as malignant tumors. In our series, all malignant tumors were non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The most common benign lesion was inflammatory pseudotumor. This study has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of LS for diagnosis and treatment of both benign and malignant tumors of the spleen.     

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.     

腹腔镜脾切除术55例临床分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜脾切除术在各类脾脏疾病中的安全性及疗效.方法 回顾分析2007年5月至2009年12月完成的55例腹腔镜脾切除术资料.其中特发性血小板减少性紫癜(ITP)11例,自身免疫性溶血性贫血6例,球形红细胞增生症1例,脾淋巴瘤1例,脾囊肿10例,脾血管瘤5例,脾脉管瘤2例,肝硬化门脉高压脾功能亢进(脾亢)患者9例,肝硬化脾亢患者9例,不明原因脾肿大脾亢1例.结果 55例患者均顺利完成腹腔镜脾切除术,无中转手助或中转开腹,平均手术时间(119.7±33.0)min.术中出血量平均(83.8±65.2)ml.术后平均住院时间(5.7±1.1)d.术后腹水1例,腹腔引流液淀粉酶升高7例,无手术死亡.结论 腹腔镜脾切除术能安全有效地适用于多种脾脏疾病的手术治疗.     

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 hematological diseases

After being successfully applied to other intraabdominal organs, the laparoscopic approach has been applied to the spleen since 1991. The experience with 17 cases of laparoscopic splenectomy performed due to immune thrombocytopenia purpura (10 instances), hereditary spherocytosis (2 cases), and Hodgkin's disease where the staging was done according to Stanford (5 cases), have been reported. With the patient in anti-Trendelenburg position, and the surgeon between the patient's legs, four or five trocars are introduced into the upper abdominal quadrants and the spleen hilum is isolated. Hilar vessels are dissected and ligated with a surgical stapler. A plastic bag is introduced into the abdomen cavity and the spleen is slipped inside; it is then extracted through an umbilical incision after morcellation. Advantages of the open operation include a decrease in postoperative pain, a decrease in pulmonary sequelae, a reduced incidence of subphrenic abscesses, and cosmetic advantages. The decrease of postoperative sequelae reduces hospitalization and costs, which are higher for the operation itself (materials and staff's training).     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for histiocytic sarcoma of the spleen

Primary histiocytic sarcoma of the spleen is a rare but potentially lethal condition. It can remain asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic for a long time. An 81-year-old woman presented with an extremely enlarged spleen. She suffered from progressive anemia and required a red blood cell transfusion once a month. Although computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed for diagnosis, a confirmed diagnosis was not obtained. Her enlarged spleen compressed her stomach, and she suffered from gastritis and a sense of gastric fullness just after meals. She underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Her post-operative course was uneventful. After surgery, her red blood cell and platelet counts increased markedly. The tumor was diagnosed as splenic histiocytic sarcoma. Post-surgical chemotherapy was not performed, and the patient died of liver failure due to liver metastasis 5 mo after surgery. Laparoscopic splenectomy is minimally invasive and useful for the relief of symptoms related to hematological disorders. However, in cases of an enlarged spleen, optimal views and working space are limited. In such cases, splenic artery ligation can markedly reduce the size of the spleen, thus facilitating the procedure. The case reported herein suggests that laparoscopic splenectomy may be useful for the treatment of splenic malignancy.     

前入路分层解剖腹腔镜原位脾切除术的临床应用

目的 探讨前入路分层解剖腹腔镜下脾切除术(LS)的应用价值和临床疗效.方法 2007年12月至2009年7月我科共开展27例LS,回顾分析前入路分层解剖LS的临床资料.结果 除1例因胰尾肥大出血,中转剖腹行脾脏切除术外,其余手术均在腹腔镜下完成.切除脾脏长径8～20 cm,6例患者发现副脾(6/27,22.2%),平均手术时间125 min,平均术中失血量90 ml,平均术后住院时间5.5 d.结论 前人路分层解剖可快速顺利完成LS操作,无需过多翻弄脾脏,可减少意外损伤,节约手术时间,值得临床推广应用.

Abstract：

Objective To study the role of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) using the anterior approach with sequential layered dissection. Methods From December 2007 to July 2009, we performed 27 LS using the anterior approach with sequential layered dissection. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Results The range of splenic length was 8-20 cm. Accessory spleen was found in 6 patients (22.2%). The mean operative time was 125 mins. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 90 ml, and the mean postoperative stay was 5.5 days. Conclusions Laparoscopic splenectomy using the anterior approach with sequential layered dissection could be carried out smoothly and rapidly. It reduced accidental injuries and shortened the operative time.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for splenic hamartoma

Advances in imaging techniques have made preoperative diagnosis of splenic tumors possible. A case of successful laparoscopic splenectomy for splenic hamartoma is described here and the indications of this technique are discussed. Received: 12 January 1996/Accepted: 22 March 1996