Pancreatic complications following laparoscopic splenectomy

Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has been widely accepted despite a paucity of outcome data. Therefore, we performed a review of LS to assess the pancreatic complications and outcomes associated with this procedure. Methods: Ninety-four splenectomies were performed for a variety of hematologic disorders. The patient was placed in the lateral position, and three or four trocars were used. Results: LS was completed successfully in 93 patients. One case was converted to an open splenectomy for suspected gastrotomy. Thirty of 32 patients with splenomegaly underwent successful LS. Fifteen patients (16%) had some evidence of pancreatic injury. Six patients had asymptomatic hyperamylasemia. An injury directly associated with an adverse outcome occurred in nine cases (9.5% overall); six patients had pancreatic collections, one had a pancreatic fistula, and two developed hyperamylasemia and pain altering the length of hospitalization. Four of these nine patients did not have elevated postoperative amylase levels and were readmitted with pancreatic complications. Conclusions: LS can be performed for most pathologic conditions. Pancreatic injury is the most common morbidity associated with LS. The detection of hyperamylasemia can alert the surgeon to a pancreatic injury and alter postoperative management.