Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy in patients with splenomegaly or prior upper abdominal operation

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Treatment of Splenomegaly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To review the evidence regarding the outcomes of laparoscopic techniques in cases of splenomegaly.

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic approaches such as laparoscopic, hand-assisted laparoscopic, and robotic surgery are commonly used for splenectomy, but the advantages in cases of splenomegaly are controversial.

REVIEW METHODS

We conducted a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched up to February 2020.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included for meta-analysis. In relation to laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) versus open splenectomy (OS), 12 studies revealed a significant reduction in length of hospital stay (LOS) of 3.3 days (p = <0.01) in the LS subgroup. Operative time was higher by 44.4 min (p < 0.01) in the LS group. Blood loss was higher in OS 146.2 cc (p = <0.01). No differences were found regarding morbimortality. The global conversion rate was 19.56%. Five studies compared LS and hand-assisted laparosocpic splenectomy (HALS), but no differences were observed in LOS, blood loss, or complications. HALS had a significantly reduced conversion rate (p < 0.01). In two studies that compared HALS and OS (n = 66), HALS showed a decrease in LOS of 4.5 days (p < 0.01) and increase of 44 min in operative time (p < 0.01), while OS had a significantly higher blood loss of 448 cc (p = 0.01). No differences were found in the complication rate.

CONCLUSION

LS is a safe approach for splenomegaly, with clear clinical benefits. HALS has a lower conversion rate. Higher-quality confirmatory trials with standardized splenomegaly grading are needed before definitive recommendations can be provided. Prospero registration number: CRD42019125251.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy is a useful surgical treatment method for patients with excessive splenomegaly: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) can help overcome the drawbacks of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) while maintaining its advantages.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and advantages of HALS for splenomegaly.

METHODS

The relevant literature was reviewed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, and Wanfang databases to compare the clinical outcomes of HALS and LS. Odds ratios or mean differences were calculated with 95% confidence intervals for fixed-effects and random-effects models. Overall, 754 patients from 16 trials who met the inclusion criteria were selected.

RESULTS

In pure splenectomy, blood loss volume (P < 0.001) and conversion rate (P = 0.008) were significantly lower in the HALS group than in the LS group. Conversely, for splenomegaly, the operative time (P = 0.04) was shorter and blood loss volume (P < 0.001) and conversion rate (P = 0.001) were significantly lower in the HALS group than in the LS group. However, no significant difference was observed in hospital stay length, blood transfusion, time to food intake, complications, or mortality rate between the two groups. Moreover, in splenectomy and devascularization of the upper stomach (DUS), the operative time (P = 0.04) was significantly shorter and blood loss volume (P < 0.001) and conversion rate (P = 0.05) were significantly lower in the HALS + DUS group than in the LS + DUS group. However, no significant difference was observed in hospital stay length, timing of diet, and complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

HALS is an ideal surgical treatment method for splenomegaly because it can maximize the benefits for patients while maintaining the advantages of LS.

Can We Predict Immediate Outcome After Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Splenomegaly? Multivariate Analysis of Clinical, Anatomic, and Pathologic Features After 3D Reconstruction of the Spleen

The laparoscopic approach is the treatment of choice for splenectomy, but its definitive role in splenomegaly is controversial. Factors that influence immediate outcome are clinical, anatomic, and pathological. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive factors on outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy in splenomegaly. We reviewed patients submitted to laparoscopic splenectomy with a final spleen weight superior to 700 g. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the spleen was performed, and spleen volume and diameters were measured. Multivariate analysis showed that factors that predicted for conversion were mediolateral diameter ( P = .039, RR: 1.43) and platelet count ( P < .05, RR: 1). For intraoperative bleeding, the predictive factor was spleen volume ( P < .03, RR: 1.003). Anteroposterior spleen diameter was related to operative time ( P = .011), and the factor related to postoperative morbidity was age ( P = .049, RR: 0.941). Local anatomy and clinical factors affect surgical outcome in laparoscopic splenectomy for splenomegaly. These factors should be taken into account when planning this kind of procedure.

Clinical significance of single-port laparoscopic splenectomy: comparison of single-port and multiport laparoscopic procedure

Purpose

Single-port laparoscopic splenectomy has been performed sporadically. The aim of this study is to assess our experience with single-port laparoscopic splenectomy compared to conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery for the usual treatment modality for various kinds of splenic disease.

Methods

Between October 2008 to February 2014, 29 patients underwent single-port laparoscopic splenectomy and 32 patients received multiport laparoscopic splenectomy. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of single-port group and multiport group.

Results

The body mass index and disease profiles of the both groups were similar. The operative times of single-port and multiport group were 113.6 ± 39.9 and 95.9 ± 38.9 minutes, respectively (P = 0.946). The operative blood loss of the two groups were 295.8 ± 301.3 and 322.5 ± 254.5 mL (P = 0.582). Postoperative retrieved splenic weight of the single-port and multiport groups were 283.9 ± 300.7 and 362.3 ± 471.8 g, respectively (P = 0.261). One single-port partial splenectomy and 6 multiport partial splenectomies were performed in this study. There was one intraoperative gastric wall injury. It occurred in single-port group, which was successfully managed during the operation. Each case was converted to laparotomy in both groups due to bleeding. There was one mortality case in the multiport laparoscopic splenectomy group, which was not related to the splenectomy. Mean hospital stay of the single-port and multiport group was 5.8 ± 2.5 and 7.3 ± 5.2 days respectively (P = 0.140).

Conclusion

Single-port laparoscopic splenectomy seems to be a feasible approach for various kinds of splenic disease compared to multiport laparoscopic surgery.

Current concepts of laparoscopic splenectomy in elective patients

Formerly, open splenectomy represented the conventional surgical treatment for many hematologic diseases. Currently, thanks to permanent technical development and improved skills, also laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become a recognized procedure in the treatment of spleen diseases, even in case of splenomegaly. A systematic review was performed with the aim of recalling the proved concepts of this surgical treatment and to browse new devices and techniques and their impact on the surgical outcome. The literature search was initially conducted in PubMed by entering general queries related to LS. The record identified through PubMed searching (n = 1599) was then screened by applying several criteria (study published in English from 1991 to 2013 with abstract available, by excluding systematic/non-systematic reviews, meta-analysis, practice guidelines, case reports, and study involving animals). The articles assessed for eligibility (n = 160) were primarily evaluated by excluding studies that did not report operative time and conversion to open surgery. For articles that treated multiport LS we included only clinical trials with patients > 20. The studies included in qualitative synthesis were 23. The search strategy carried out in PubMed does not allow to obtain an overview of the items returned by the main queries. With this aim we replicated the search in the Web of Science^TM database, only including the studies published in English in the period 1991-2013 with no other filter/selection criteria. The full records (n = 1141) and cited references returned by Web of Science^TM were analyzed with the visualization of similarities (VOS) mapping technique. Maps of title/abstract text corpus and bibliographic coupling of authors obtained by applying the VOS approach were presented. If in normal-size or moderately enlarged spleens the laparoscopic approach is unquestionable, in massive splenomegaly the optimal technique remain to be determined. In this setting, prospective randomized trials to compare open vs LS are needed. Between the new techniques of LS the robotic single port splenectomy has the ability to join all the positive aspects of both techniques. Data about this topic are too initial and need to be confirmed with further studies.

Hand-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic splenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) has been widely applied for the resection of larger spleens. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and feasibility of HALS compared with conventional laparoscopic splenectomy (CLS).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases was performed to compare clinical outcomes of CLS and HALS. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Pooled odds ratios and weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated by meta-analytic software.

RESULTS

Nine non-randomized controlled studies for a total of 463 patients were selected to satisfy the inclusion criteria (HALS versus CLS: 170 versus 293, respectively). The groups were similar in operative time, estimated operative blood loss, length of hospital stay, mortality and intraoperative and post-operative complications. There was a significantly reduced conversion rate in the HALS versus CLS group (odds ratio: 2.98; 95% confidence interval 1.28 to 6.93; P = 0.01). Splenic weights in the HALS group were higher than in the CLS group (weighted mean differences: -0.93; 95% confidence interval -1.74 to -0.11; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

HALS may be preferable to CLS for the treatment of patients with enlarged spleens. The result needs to be certified by further random controlled trials.

Morbidity of hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic splenectomy: a 6-year review

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has several advantages over the open procedure but can be technically demanding when performed in patients with massive splenomegaly. We hypothesized that patients who undergo hand-assisted LS (HALS) may experience the benefits of LS while having their enlarged spleens removed safely.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of patients who underwent HALS or LS between January 2003 and June 2008. Evaluated parameters included intraoperative and early postoperative morbidity and mortality, conversion to open surgery, need for blood transfusion, length of postoperative hospital stay, patient demographics, diagnosis leading to splenectomy, splenic weight and number of postoperative days to resuming normal diet. Differences were analyzed while controlling for splenic weight and malignant diagnosis using multiple linear and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In all, 103 patients underwent splenectomy (23 HALS, 80 LS). Patients who had HALS were older and had larger spleens, and a greater proportion had malignant diagnoses. We observed no significant differences in morbidity, conversion to open surgery or need for blood transfusion. The mean length of postoperative stay, duration of surgery and days to resuming full diet were longer in the HALS group. No patients died. No group differences were significant after controlling for splenic weight and malignant diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The morbidity associated with HALS is comparable to that with LS. The longer duration of surgery and hospital stay for HALS patients was likely related to greater splenic weight, older age and greater proportion of malignant diagnoses. Hand-assisted LS is a viable alternative to open surgery in patients with massive spleens.

Laparoscopic splenectomy: standardized approach

Laparoscopic splenectomy was first reported in 1991-1992 by several groups. The impact and role of laparoscopy for splenectomy can be considered as significant as that for gallbladder disease, achalasia, esophageal reflux, and adrenal disease. In many centers, the laparoscopic approach is now routine for most cases of elective splenectomy. The laparoscopic approach is associated with reduced morbidity, especially pulmonary, wound, and infectious complications. This article reviews a standardized approach to laparoscopic and hand-assisted splenectomy and covers indications, operative strategy, and complications. Several special considerations, including massive splenomegaly, postsplenectomy thrombosis of the portosplenic venous system, and accessory spleens are also discussed.

Laparoscopic splenectomy in patients of β thalassemia: Our experience

BACKGROUND:

Laparoscopic splenectomy has become a standard treatment of various haematological disorders, but its feasibility in the setting of β thalassemia has not been established.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Fifty patients of β thalassemia underwent laparoscopic splenectomy between January 2006 and December 2008. “Anterior approach” method was practiced in all cases, with early ligation of splenic artery and delayed ligation of splenic vein. Specimen was extracted piecemeal via the umbilical port in initial 12 cases, while in 37 cases the specimen was extracted through a 7-8-cm pfannenstiel incision. Twelve patients of β thalassemia having grade IV splenomegaly with hepatomegaly were electively operated by conventional open method.

RESULTS:

The procedure was completed in 49 patients. One (2%) patient required conversion to open surgery. Mean operating time in the first 12 cases was 151 minutes (110-210 minutes), while in 37 cases of splenectomy completed laparoscopically it was 124 minutes (80-190 minutes) [P < 0.05]. Mean intra-operative blood loss was 73.8 ml (30–520 ml). No major intra-operative complications occurred. No patient required per-operative blood transfusion. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.7 days (2-11 days). Mean preoperative blood transfusion requirement was 11.98 units per patient per year, while mean postoperative blood transfusion requirement was 4.04 units [P< 0.05].

CONCLUSION:

Laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible and safe even in patients of β thalassemia with massive splenomegaly. Removal of specimen via a pfannenstiel incision significantly saves time, carries low morbidity and is a cosmetically acceptable alternative.

The feasibility and effectiveness of a hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy for hypersplenism in patients after living-donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

A laparoscopic splenectomy in patients who previously underwent living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is thought to be technically difficult because of the presence of severe adhesions and splenomegaly. This report documents the efficacy and safety of a hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) for hypersplenism in patients after LDLT.

METHODS

Five patients underwent HALS for hypersplenism after LDLT between 1999 and 2007. The medical records of those patients were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 237+/-12 minutes. The mean blood loss was 229+/-100 mL and the mean weight of excised spleen was 461+/-46 g. There was no conversion to open surgery. The number of platelets and leukocytes were significantly increased after surgery. No major complications were observed except for a patient who suffered paralytic ileus postoperatively. The mean hospital stay after the operation was 16.7+/-2.5 days.

CONCLUSIONS

HALS for patients after LDLT is a feasible and safe procedure. This technique can thus become a standard procedure after LDLT.

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.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with massive splenomegaly undergoing LAS or HALS after preoperative SAE during the years 2004 to 2006 at the authors' institution was performed. Patients with a craniocaudal spleen length of 20 cm or greater were included in the study irrespective of their primary diagnosis. The data collected included information on patient demographics, operative details, rates of conversion to open procedures, perioperative blood transfusions, and postoperative complications. Routine Doppler ultrasound of the abdomen was performed on postoperative days 7 and 30 to screen for portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients were identified. The median spleen length was 23 cm, and the median spleen weight was 1,740 g. Nine patients underwent LAS, and 10 underwent HALS. The median operative time was 130 min, and the median hospital stay was 6 days. There were no conversions to open laparotomy. The median estimated blood loss was 200 ml. One patient required reoperation 24 h after LAS due to bleeding, and PVT developed in three patients postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

In the setting of massive splenomegaly, LAS or HALS with preoperative SAE is safe and has a low conversion rate. Postoperative imaging surveillance for PVT should be performed routinely in this patient population.

[Laparoscopic splenectomy: indications, techniques, outcomes]

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the standard approach to splenectomy for benign and malignant hematologic diseases despite a paucity of high-level evidence. The procedure requires expertise in laparoscopic surgical techniques and meticulous dissection of the spleen. Management should include a preoperative radiologic assessment to measure splenic volume and to detect the presence of accessory splenic tissue; the patient should undergo preoperative vaccination against meningococcal, pneumococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae type B infections. Prophylactic antibiotics are used in the perioperative period as well as prophylactic anticoagulation therapy which may be continued long-term in high-risk patients. LS is associated with a low morbidity and mortality; when compared to laparotomy, it reduces the length of hospital stay and improves the quality of life by decreasing postoperative ileus and pain. There are a variety of laparoscopic approaches; the hand-assisted technique and newer coagulating devices have facilitated the operative technique leading to increasing acceptance of laparoscopy as the preferred approach - even in patients with malignant hematologic disease and/or massive splenomegaly.

Laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe and effective procedure for patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

This study was conducted retrospectively to examine whether laparoscopic splenectomy is an effective procedure for patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension in comparison to patients with a normal-sized spleen.

METHODS

From September 1994 to May 2005, we performed laparoscopic splenectomy in 50 patients at Wakayama Medical University Hospital, Japan. Of these, 17 patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension and 17 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with normal-size spleen were enrolled in this study, in which we compared the surgical outcome between patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension and those without splenomegaly (ITP group).

RESULTS

The mean operative time (splenomegaly due to portal hypertension vs ITP; 171 vs 165 min; P = 0.7433) and estimated blood loss (248 vs 258 ml; P = 0.5396) were similar in the two groups. There were two patients with complications (11.8%) in the patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension and five patients with complications (29.4%) in those with ITP. All patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension showed appropriate increases in the platelet count following surgery. No perioperative mortality occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that laparoscopic splenectomy was an effective procedure for splenomegaly due to portal hypertension, with findings being similar to those observed in patients with a normal-sized spleen (such as patients with ITP).

Splenic Artery Embolization and Endovascular Stapler Integrity in a Porcine Model

Splenic artery embolization is often used before laparoscopic splenectomy in cases of splenomegaly to reduce blood loss and facilitate the procedure. The aim of this study was to examine the general reliability of endovascular staplers when fired at the site of embolization coil deployment using a porcine model. Ex vivo and in vivo experiments were conducted on porcine abdominal aortas, which are similar in diameter to those of the splenic artery in the human. When the endovascular staplers were fired across the porcine vessels at the area of embolization coil deployment ex vivo, the staple lines all failed. In contrast, in vivo, the staple lines remained intact with no bleeding despite resistance imposed by the intravascular coils. Despite consistent failure in the ex vivo studies, in vivo all staple lines held and permitted safe transection of the vessel. We presume that the hemostatic properties of the coils caused sufficient thrombosis in this model, which mimics the clinical situation, to permit division of the previously embolized splenic vessel.

Laparoscopic splenectomy: the clinical practice guidelines of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the standard approach for most splenectomy cases, some areas still remain controversial. To date, the indications that preclude laparoscopic splenectomy are not clearly defined. In view of this, the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) has developed clinical practice guidelines for LS.

METHODS

An international expert panel was invited to appraise the current literature and to develop evidence-based recommendations. A consensus development conference using a nominal group process convened in May 2007. Its recommendations were presented at the annual EAES congress in Athens, Greece, on 5 July 2007 for discussion and further input. After a further Delphi process between the experts, the final recommendations were agreed upon.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic splenectomy is indicated for most benign and malignant hematologic diseases independently of the patient's age and body weight. Preoperative investigation is recommended for obtaining information on spleen size and volume as well as the presence of accessory splenic tissue. Preoperative vaccination against meningococcal, pneumococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae type B infections is recommended in elective cases. Perioperative anticoagulant prophylaxis with subcutaneous heparin should be administered to all patients and prolonged anticoagulant prophylaxis to high-risk patients. The choice of approach (supine [anterior], semilateral or lateral) is left to the surgeon's preference and concomitant conditions. In cases of massive splenomegaly, the hand-assisted technique should be considered to avoid conversion to open surgery and to reduce complication rates. The expert panel still considered portal hypertension and major medical comorbidities as contraindications to LS.

CONCLUSION

Despite a lack of level 1 evidence, LS is a safe and advantageous procedure in experienced hands that has displaced open surgery for almost all indications. To support the clinical evidence, further randomized controlled trials on different issues are mandatory.

Impact of morbid obesity on outcome of laparoscopic splenectomy

BACKGROUND

Because of the obesity epidemic, surgeons are operating on morbidly obese patients in increasing numbers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of morbid obesity on the outcome of laparoscopic splenectomy.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 120 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for benign and malignant disease from March 1996 to May 2005. These patients were retrospectively divided into three groups. Group 1 had a body mass index (BMI) < 30. Group 2 patients had a BMI > or = 30 and < 40 and were considered obese. Group 3 had a BMI > or = 40 and were considered morbidly obese. Data including surgical approach (laparoscopic vs. hand-assisted), operative time, conversion rate, estimated blood loss, splenic weight, length of stay, time to tolerate a diet, pathologic diagnosis, complications, and mortality were recorded.

RESULTS

Complete data were available for evaluation of 112 patients of whom 73 (65%) had a BMI < 30, 32 (29%) had a BMI > or = 30 and < 40, and 7 (6%) had a BMI > or = 40. The most frequent indication for splenectomy in all three groups was idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The operative times were significantly higher in patients with a BMI > 40. Conversion rates were also higher in this group, although this did not reach statistical significance. Patients with a BMI > 30 experienced similar complication rates when compared with patients with a BMI < 30. Only when patients had a BMI > 40 did they experience more complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed safely in obese patients (BMI > 30) with similar results to those of nonobese patients. Only in morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40) do outcomes and complications appear to be affected. Obesity should not be a contraindication to laparoscopic splenectomy.

Hand-assisted Laparoscopic Surgery with a Pfannenstiel Incision in β-Thalassemia Patients: Initial Experience

INTRODUCTION

beta-Thalassemia patients have splenomegaly significant enough to require splenectomy; furthermore, these patients also often require concurrent procedures.

METHODS

Between January and October 2005, seven patients with beta-thalassemia underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy with cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and liver biopsy with the hand-port device introduced through a Pfannenstiel incision.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 28 years, and the median spleen length was 23 cm. The median operating time was 210 minutes; there were no conversions to an open procedure; and the median spleen weight was 1072 g. One major postoperative complication occurred. The median hospital stay was 6 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed hand-assisted laparoscopic approach is safe and feasible. It provides a minimally invasive alternative that may become the treatment of choice in beta-thalassemia patients who require concurrent operations.

Does open surgery continue to have a role in elective splenectomy?

BACKGROUND

Since it was first reported in 1991, laparoscopic splenectomy has become the procedure of choice for elective splenectomy. However, doubts have been raised regarding the suitability of patients with splenomegaly (>1 kg) for laparoscopic resection because there have been reports of greater morbidity and higher conversion rates in this group of patients. Since 2000, patients referred to the authors' center for splenectomy with an estimated spleen weight exceeding 1 kg have undergone splenectomy by the open approach.

METHODS

Between September 1995 and April 2005, 95 elective splenectomies were performed by a single surgeon. Operative data were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

A comparison between the operations that took place before 2001 (n = 47) and those performed after 2000 (n = 48) for all sizes of spleen showed significant reductions in conversion rate, operative time, and hospital stay in the later group. As compared with laparoscopic splenectomy (n = 11), open splenectomy (n = 18) for cases of splenomegaly resulted in a significantly shorter operative time, less operative blood loss, and no significant difference in hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Although laparoscopic splenectomy is the treatment of choice for the majority of patients requiring elective splenectomy, the procedure for patients with significant splenomegaly requires caution and common sense. This study shows that an open splenectomy for these patients significantly reduces operative time and blood loss without increasing morbidity or hospital stay.

Laparoscopic splenectomy: a selected retrospective review

Previous investigators have suggested that laparoscopic splenectomy should be the procedure of choice for the treatment of benign hematologic disorders unresponsive to medical therapy. To evaluate the safety and utility of laparoscopic splenectomy for a variety of splenic disorders, we reviewed our collective experience at 2 institutions. We studied our 8-year experience by retrospective chart review. Patient demographic data, splenic pathology, intraoperative events, concomitant procedures, and all adverse perioperative events were recorded. A total of 131 patients had laparoscopic splenectomy, and there were 8 conversions to open surgery. Pathology included 63 with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), 23 malignancies, 12 thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), 10 autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), and 23 others. Accessory spleens were noted in 21 patients (16%). Concomitant surgical procedures included 12 hepatic biopsies, 4 distal pancreatectomies, 4 cholecystectomies, and 7 others. Mean operative time was 170 minutes. There were 16 major complications in 16 patients and 2 deaths. Median postoperative length of stay was 3 days. Conversions, due mostly to bleeding, are related to splenic pathology and medical comorbidity and are not temporally related to surgical experience (learning curve). The morbidity, mortality, and conversion rates were low. Laparoscopic splenectomy permits an appropriate abdominal exploration and is associated with a short hospital stay. It is the procedure of choice for most indications for splenectomy.

Defining the learning curve for laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenia purpura

BACKGROUND

The current study was undertaken to define the learning curve for laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

METHODS

The data of 50 patients who underwent LS for ITP between March 1996 and February 2003 were reviewed. Patients were divided into sequential groups of 10. Operative time, estimated blood loss, conversion to open procedure, length of stay (LOS), time to oral intake, complications, and mortality rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean OR time in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups of 10 were significantly shorter than the 1st and 2nd groups of 10. There were no significant differences in estimated blood loss, LOS, or time to oral intake between the groups. Three conversions to open splenectomy occurred; one each in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups of 10. Complications were evenly distributed between groups. There were no deaths.

CONCLUSION

The learning curve for LS in patients with ITP is a minimum of 20 cases.

Experience with Seven Cases of Massive Splenomegaly

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic excision of extremely large spleens has been variously reported, but the usual consensus in the literature is that any patient with a spleen anything over 3000 g is simply not a proper candidate for laparoscopy. This report details our experience with 7 patients (out of 95 operated on) with spleens ranging in size up to 4800 g.

METHODS

Our operative procedure involved 3 or 4 trocars placed along a virtually semicircular line centered over the splenic hilum. Splenic attachments were excised with the ultrasonic dissector, and the hilum divided with a stapler. Due to the size of the spleens, Pfannenstiel's incisions were utilized for hand-port placement in the extraction of the specimen.

RESULTS

Surgery was successful in all 7 cases, and required no conversion to an open procedure. The average splenic weight was 3450 g (range, 3000-4800 g). Mean operative time was 168 minutes (range, 127-250 minutes).

CONCLUSION

Because of improved instrumentation (i.e., laparoscopic stapler and ultrasonic dissector) and refinement of technique, spleens very much larger than what was once considered practicable can now be excised laparoscopically with similarly low morbidity as compared with open splenectomy.

101 laparoscopic splenectomies for the treatment of benign and malignant hematologic disorders

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the surgical approach of choice for patients with hematologic disorders requiring splenectomy. Patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) have normal to slightly enlarged spleens and benefit the most from LS.

METHODS

We reviewed the perioperative outcomes in 101 patients who underwent LS between May 1996 and December 2002. Patients were divided into three groups--ITP, other benign, and malignant hematologic disorders--and compared.

RESULTS

The ITP patients (n = 48) had significantly smaller spleens and operative times compared with the other groups. Splenomegaly in the other benign (n = 23) and malignant hematologic disorders (n = 30) groups was responsible for higher open conversion rates and greater need for hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic splenectomy and HALS can be performed with good results for benign and malignant hematologic disorders. The benefits of HALS are similar to LS, so there should be a low threshold for HALS in patients with large spleens.