Abstract
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 LS are not clearly defined. Portal hypertension from liver cirrhosis still is a contraindication to LS in the clinical practice guidelines of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery published in 2008. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of LS for hypersplenism secondary to liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
Methods
The study retrospectively analyzed 206 laparoscopic splenectomies performed for a variety of indications over 13 years. According to diagnosis, the patients were divided into group A (hypersplenism secondary to liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, n = 96) and group B (hematologic and other disorders, n = 110). A detailed review of medical records was conducted. The perioperative data for the two groups were compared including patient characteristics, diagnosis, operative details, complication rates, and postoperative hospital stay.
Results
Laparoscopic splenectomy was completed for 201 patients. Conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery was necessary for 5 patients (2.4%) because of hemorrhage, and 26 patients (12.6%) had complications. There were significant differences between groups A and B in terms of mean operation time (2.8 vs. 2.1 h), complication rates (17.7% vs. 8.2%), and postoperative stay (7.1 vs. 4.7 days). However, the two groups showed no significant differences with respect to intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, and conversion rate.
Conclusion
Laparoscopic splenectomy is a feasible, effective, and safe surgical procedure for patients who require splenectomy. Hypersplenism secondary to cirrhosis and portal hypertension should not be considered contraindications for LS.
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Acknowledgment
Bryan Fandrich, from the Permanente Medical Group, Inc. Sacramento, CA, aided in the preparation of this manuscript.
Disclosures
Yuedong Wang, Xiaoli Zhan, Yangwen Zhu, Zhijie Xie, Jinhui Zhu, and Zaiyuan Ye have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.
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Wang, Y., Zhan, X., Zhu, Y. et al. Laparoscopic splenectomy in portal hypertension: a single-surgeon 13-year experience. Surg Endosc 24, 1164–1169 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-009-0744-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-009-0744-4