Laparoscopic Splenectomy In Children Research Articles

Robotic-Assisted and Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Children: A Single Center Comparative Study.

Background: To explore the safety, efficacy, advantages, and disadvantages of robotic-assisted splenectomy (RS) in children by analyzing and comparing the clinical data of RS and laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). Methods: The clinical data of 35 children who underwent laparoscopic or RS or partial splenectomy from February 2010 to October 2022 were included. A retrospective analysis based on general information, clinical data, and prognosis were performed. Results: Among 35 cases, 14 cases, and 21 cases underwent RS and LS, respectively. The average operation time was 167 (120-224) minutes in the RS group and 176 (166-188) minutes in the LS group. The intraoperative blood loss was significantly larger in LS group than RS group (P = .0009). The length of hospital stay was significantly longer in LS group than RS group (P = .0015), and the hospitalization cost was significantly higher in RS group than LS group (P < .0001). There were no cases of conversion to laparotomy in the RS group, but two cases in the LS group. In terms of postoperative complications, there were one and three cases in the RS and LS groups, respectively. Conclusion: The Robotic Surgical System was safe and feasible in pediatric splenectomy or partial splenectomy which was an alternative to laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic splenectomy in children – а 25-years of experience

Introduction. Currently, the most successful option for treating benign hematological diseases of the spleen in children is splenectomy. Material and methods. In the article, the authors present their 25-year clinical experience in performing laparoscopic splenectomy in children with various diseases of the spleen. They discuss different techniques for surgical treatment of spleen diseases, features of preoperative preparation, current literature data. Results. The accumulated experience in laparoscopic surgeries for spleen removal, application of modern electrosurgical equipment and instruments for extracting tissues from the abdominal cavity have significantly reduced surgical time, improved cosmetic outcomes and quality of life of patients in the postoperative period. Somatostatin, prescribed right before the surgery and at the early postoperative period, prevents development of pancreatitis and erosive bleeding from the stump of the spleen pedicle in the vast majority of patients. Conclusion. The obtained catamnestic data demonstrate that laparoscopic surgery for spleen removal has its advantages. It is a safe, little-traumatic, effective and cosmetically good option for surgical spleen management in children.

Evaluation of Hem-o-lok clips in controlling the splenic pedicle in laparoscopic splenectomy in children

BackgroundSplenectomy is an established therapeutic intervention for benign haematological disorders (BHD) in children. Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become accepted as the preferred alternative to the open procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Hem-o-lok clips in controlling the splenic hilum during laparoscopic splenectomy in children as regards feasibility, safety, operative time, cost, and perioperative complications.MethodsThis study included 27 cases with BHD, from April 2020 to December 2021, who underwent LS. In all patients, the Hem-o-lok clips were used to control the splenic pedicle. Operative time, intraoperative complications, need for conversion, and splenic extraction were reported. Postoperative course, complications, and hospital stay were also recorded. Patients were followed up for 3 months for development of complications and for evaluation of cosmetic appearance.ResultsThe mean operative time, excluding splenic extraction, was 67.04 min. There were 3 intraoperative minor bleeding incidents, all not related to Hem-o-lok application, and they were successfully controlled, with no need for conversion. The mean hospital stay was 1.3 days. We used one cartridge for each case (cost; 686 LE, US $28).ConclusionsThe Hem-o-lok clips are feasible, safe, and cost effective in controlling the splenic hilum during LS in children with benign haematological diseases.

Single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy in children with massive splenomegaly: A prospective, monocentric pilot study.

Single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy (SILS) remains a challenging procedure because of the technical difficulty. In this prospective study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SILS in children with massive splenomegaly. Pediatric patients with massive splenomegaly were recruited for SILS in a university-affiliated hospital. The data on patient demographics, clinical features, operative variables, and perioperative outcomes were collected prospectively and analyzed. According to the different surgical instruments, the patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the SILS with straight surgical instrument (SILS-S) group and the SILS with curved surgical instrument (SILS-C) group. A two-group comparative analysis was conducted using perioperative data from the different surgical instrumentation systems. A total of 120 patients were included, of which 103 patients (success group, 85.83%) had complete SILS, the other 17 (failure group, 14.17%) patients were converted to open (n = 4, 3.33%) or multi-incision laparoscopic surgery (n = 13, 10.83%). The major cause for surgical failure is uncontrollable bleeding (n = 14, 82.35%), and age, height, and weight were the risk factors for failure of SILS, but none of the parameters were independent risk factors. The blood loss in the success group was less than that in the failure group, but no significant differences in other operative and outcome indicators. For SILS, the mean (±SD) operative time was 188 (±48.70) minutes, the median intraoperative blood loss (min, max) was 20 (5, 290) ml, the mean (±SD) time of first anal exhaust was 23.9 (±7.73) hours, and the mean (±SD) postoperative hospital stay was 4.72 (±1.03) days. The median pain score was 3 on 1 day, and 1 on 3 days after the operation. Postoperative complications were identified in 8 (7.77%) cases. However, there were no peri-operative deaths in this series. The SILS-C group had a significantly shorter operation time than the SILS-S group (mean ± SD, 172 ± 44.21 vs. 205 ± 47.90 min). There were no significant differences between the two groups in other perioperative data (P < 0.05). SILS is a safe and feasible treatment in pediatric patients with massive splenomegaly, and curved surgical instrumentation has contributed to developing surgical manipulation.

Effectiveness of Articulating Linear Stapler for Total and Partial Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Children.

Purpose: We performed a retrospective study to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of articulating linear stapler in laparoscopic total splenectomy (LTS) and laparoscopic partial splenectomy (LPS), focusing on technical laparoscopic skills that could help pediatric surgeons to avoid intra- and postoperative complications. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of children younger than 18 years who underwent laparoscopic spleen surgery between January 2008 and March 2020. Age, sex, indication for surgery, operative time (OT), intra- and postoperative complications, and postoperative length of hospital stay (LHS) were analyzed. Data from parenchymal resection and vessels sealing techniques were obtained. Results: Thirty patients, 19 LTS and 11 LPS, were included. The mean age of the patients was 10.9 years, and 16 patients were male and 14 were female. For hematologic diseases, LTS was the elective surgery, associated with cholecystectomy in 5 cases. LPS was the common procedure for splenic cysts. The stapler was used in LTS to close the hilum vessels and in LPS for parenchymal resection. No statistically significant differences in OT were observed comparing LTS and LPS. Two conversions occurred in LTS; none in LPS. The mean LHS was 6 days in both groups. No recurrence or major complications appeared in both groups at 1-12 years of follow-up. In particular for LPS, there are no relapse of cyst neither reduction in splenic function. Conclusions: This study shows the effectiveness, feasibility, and safety of mechanic stapler in splenic surgery both for hilum vessels sealing and for parenchymal resection. The use of this device can reduce risk of hemorrhagic recurrences or major surgical complications improving the safety of the operation.

Prognostic scoring system of laparoscopic splenectomy in children with benign hematological diseases, a retrospective cohort study

Purposelaparoscopic splenectomy (LS) gained popularity during the last years among pediatric surgeons. Benign hematological diseases represent the main indications of that procedure. There are some score systems of difficulty of the technique. Most of them are for adult patients. The aim is to develop a prognostic score system of LS in children with benign hematological diseases. MethodsLS was performed in all children with benign hematological diseases. The children were operated in lateral decubitus position. The control of pedicle was achieved using bipolar sealing devices, polymer clips or endoscopic linear stablers. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were recorded and analyzed. Children were divided into two groups A and B according to the onset of complications. Results137 successive children were operated. The mean age of patients was 8.7 (4–15) years. The main indications of LS were thalassemia, spherocytosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and sickle cell anemia (SCA). The mean length of splenic axis in thalassemia and spherocytosis cases was15.6 ± 2.3 cm. The mean amount of estimated blood loss (EABL) was 149 ± 43.2 ml in group A while it was 185 ± 44.4 ml in group B. The mean operative time in group A was 75.5 ± 22.5 min while it was 89.2 ± 20.6 min in group B. Conclusionthe development of prognostic score of LS in children with benign hematological diseases can predict children who are more susceptible for complications. It helps to minimize these complications and improve the outcome of LS.

Method of spleen reduction in laparoscopic splenectomy in children with hereditary autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Purpose. This study aimed to improve the results of surgical treatment of children with hereditary autoimmune hemolytic anemia by laparoscopic splenectomy.&#x0D; Materials and methods. In the period from 1991 to 2020, a total 47 patients with hereditary autoimmune hemolytic anemia were treated in the surgical department of the Republican Childrens Clinical Hospital of Syktyvkar. Splenectomy was performed by the open method in 25 children, and laparoscopic method in 22 patients. Since 2019, the method of spleen reduction during laparoscopic splenectomy has been used in 3 patients when the large size of the mobilized spleen does not correspond to the size of the endoscopic container.&#x0D; Results. On average, surgical intervention using the above-described method of spleen reduction lasted for 19 2 min lesser than with laparoscopic splenectomy without the above method, due to the possibility of removing a significantly smaller volume of spleen tissue from the endoscopic sac outside the abdominal cavity. However, the most important achievement was the almost complete elimination of the risk of getting free fragments of a pathologically altered spleen with its possible replantation and recurrence of the clinic of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The postoperative period was smooth, and all patients were discharged at their place of residence 7 days after the laparoscopic splenectomy. Intra-abdominal complications and relapses of the disease associated with the above-described method of operation did not occur in any patient within 612 months postoperative.&#x0D; Conclusion. The proposed method of spleen reduction during laparoscopic splenectomy made it possible to avoid relapses of the disease, reduce the operation time, as a result, improved the results of surgical treatment in children with hereditary autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Laparoscopic splenectomy in children with sickle cell disease younger than 5\u2009years old

BackgroundThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, efficacy, benefits, and outcome of elective laparoscopic splenectomy for children younger than 5 years with sickle cell disease (SCD) who needed splenectomy. We conducted a retrospective review for a prospective data on patients younger than 5 years with SCD requiring splenectomy from January 2007 to June 2019. Patients were evaluated with regard to patient demographics, operative time, presence of accessory spleens, blood loss, length of hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcome.ResultsA total of 71 patients younger than 5 years with SCD underwent laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) at our institution from January 2007 to June 2019. There were 28 boys and 43 girls. The age at LS is from 2 years to less than 5 years (mean 3.2 years). The mean operating time was 65 min. There was no conversion to open surgery; all the cases were successfully performed laparoscopically. Twelve patients (17%) underwent a concomitant cholecystectomy. The hospital stay ranged from 2 to 6 days (median, 3 days). The mean follow-up was 86 months (range, 17 to 161 months). Postoperative follow-up revealed no cases of overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis infection (OPSI).ConclusionLaparoscopic splenectomy in young children less than 5 years of age with sickle cell disease is a safe and effective treatment. When patients are given preoperative vaccination and penicillin prophylaxis, OPSI rarely occurs.

Laparoscopic splenectomy in children: experience from a tertiary care referral institute in North India

The aim of this study was to compare the results of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) with open splenectomy (OS) in children at a tertiary care referral institute in North India. The electronic medical records of all children who had undergone non-emergent splenectomies between July 2014 and December 2019 at our centre were reviewed retrospectively. Patients undergoing splenectomies for trauma or portal hypertension were excluded. During the period from July 2014 to June 2016, splenectomy was performed by an open technique. From July 2016 onwards, all splenectomy procedures were performed laparoscopically. Demographic features, indications for splenectomy, operative time, estimated blood loss, spleen weight, need for conversion, length of stay, time to oral feeds and requirement for analgesia were recorded. Data for children undergoing LS were compared with those undergoing OS. Between July 2014 and June 2016, 20 children underwent OS. Between July 2016 and November 2019, 16 children underwent LS. The groups were similar in age and sex; hereditary spherocytosis was the commonest indication in both the groups. Operating time was longer in the LS group (186 ± 20.4 min vs 136 ± 12.2 min; P < 0.05), but blood loss and complication rates were similar. Two (12.5%) conversions were necessary, primarily due to spleen size. Children undergoing LS had a shorter length of stay (3.4 ± 0.6 vs 6.8 ± 1.2 days; P < 0.05), shorter time to oral feeds (0.5 vs 2.5 days; P < 0.05), and lesser requirement for analgesia. LS is feasible and safe in children. It is superior to OS with regard to cosmesis, duration of postoperative analgesia, duration of hospital stay, and recovery of bowel function. However, operating time for LS is longer than OS at our centre currently.

Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Children: Safety of Ligasure Usage.

Introduction:Laparoscopic splenectomy started to be more popular and nowadays it is the first choice for splenectomy in children. The main advantages of laparoscopic splenectomy over open approach are the shorter hospital stay, low complications and the cosmetic results despite the main concern of long operative time and the intra operative bleeding. Aim:The aim of this study was to report our experience with laparoscopic splenectomy in children’s with hematological diseases using ligasure regarding vascular control safety, efficacy and complications rate.Methods:A retrospective study was carried out at Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Hospital for Children over the period from January 2017 to February 2019. Total number of 18 patients with hematological diseases underwent laparoscopic splenectomy using ligasure. Demographic data, complications and outcomes were collected to assess the advantages of ligasure usage for vascular control safety.Results:Out of 18 patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy using ligasure (10 with spherocytosis, 4 with immune thrombocytopenic purpura [ITP], 3 with sickle cell anemia, 1 with hemangioma), from which number, 8 patients were males and 10 were females. Mean age was 6.7 years (ranges from 4.3 to13.7 years). Mean operative time was 107 minutes (ranges from 70-180 minutes). There was no conversion to open splenectomy and no mortality. Intra operative blood loss was insignificant.Conclusion:Laparoscopic splenectomy using ligature is safe with excellent results in decreasing operative time, less complications and decrease incidence of intraoperative bleeding.

Improved outcome in laparoscopic splenectomy in children with benign hematological disease after standardization of techniques

Laparoscopic splenectomy has gained popularity in the management of children with benign hematological disease who required splenectomy. We aim to report the outcome after standardization of techniques in laparoscopic splenectomy. A retrospective study was conducted in which all children with benign hematological disease underwent laparoscopic splenectomy in our institute from 2003 to 2017. The demographics and outcomes before (Group 1) and after (Group 2) standardization of techniques were compared. The laparoscopic techniques were standardized in Group 2. They all underwent multiport laparoscopic splenectomy and the splenic pedicles were divided by bipolar sealing device (LigaSure). In Group 1, splenectomy could be performed by single port or multiple ports approach. The splenic pedicles could be divided by endovascular stapler or LigaSure. Group 1 included 14 children who underwent splenectomy from 2003 to 2010 and Group 2 included 9 children who were operated from 2011 to 2017. The demographics were comparable between the two groups. Group 2 was associated with lower complication (0 vs. 5, p = 0.043), shorter operative time in splenectomy (146 min vs. 173 min, p = 0.056) and shorter mean hospital stay (3.8 days vs. 7.1 days, p < 0.0001). Superior outcomes including lower complication rates and shorter hospital stay were observed after standardization of surgical techniques in laparoscopic splenectomy in children using multiple ports and LigaSure.

Analysis of Risk Factors of Pancreatic Injury during Elective Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Children.

Introduction:Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) became the standard choice for splenectomy in children with benign hematological disease. There are few reports about pancreatic injury during LS. The purpose of this study is to spot on factors increasing the risk of pancreatic injury during LS in children.Patients and Methods:A total of 140 children had LS for benign causes. Children were categorized into A and B groups. LigaSure™ was used to control pedicle in Group A, while endoscopic staplers were used in Group B. Preoperative levels of amylase, lipase, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were obtained. The mean of pancreatic enzymes and LDH values was calculated on the 3 postoperative successive days.Results:A total of 71 boys and 69 girls had LS. The mean splenic size was 13.50 cm in Group A and 12.51 cm in Group B. The mean operative time in Group A was 41.91 min and in Group B was 56.36 min. The mean level of amylase was 42.99 IU/ml in Group A and 75.70 IU/ml in Group B (P = 0.001). The mean level of lipase was 37 IU/ml in Group A and 76.66 IU/ml in Group B (P = 0.001).Conclusion:Pancreatic injury during LS is a rare complication usually presented on biochemical level. We believe that it is a hemostatic-dependent complication rather than splenic size or nature of disease.

Bipolar sealing devices versus endoscopic vascular staplers during laparoscopic splenectomy in children with benign hematological diseases

Background: Splenectomy, whether open or laparoscopic, is considered a step of management in many children with benign hematological diseases such as immune thrombocytopenia, thalassemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and spherocytosis. The major challenge during laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the rich blood supply of the spleen. Many techniques were considered to control the vascular supply of the spleen. Staplers, clips, either titanium or hemoclips, a bipolar sealing device (BSD), or ultrasonic shears were all used to complete LS. We aimed to compare the results of using BSD versus endoscopic staplers for vascular control of the pedicle during LS. Patients and methods: The study was carried out on 30 children with benign hematological diseases who presented to the Pediatric Surgical Unit. They were grouped randomly into two groups: group A and group B. Group A included 15 patients who were subjected to LS in which BSD was used for vascular control, whereas group B included 15 patients subjected to LS in which endoscopic staplers were used for vascular control of the pedicle. Results: The mean age of the children in group A was 9.60 years, whereas the mean age of the children in group B was 10.40 years. In group A, the mean estimated amount of blood loss was 72.27 ml. However, this was 80.67ml in group B. In group A, the mean operative time required was 39.00 min, whereas it was 56.27 min in group B. The indications for splenectomy were thalassemia in 15 cases (seven for group A and eight for group B), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in 13 cases (seven for group A and six for group B), and spherocytosis in two cases (one for each group). The mean splenic size in group A was 10.43 cm, whereas it was 11.73 cm in group B. Conclusion: LS has evolved over the last decade because of the advancements of BSDs and endoscopic staplers. According to our data the use of LigaSure reduces the overall operative time, operative blood loss, and associated complications compared with the use of staplers. Keywords: children, laparoscopic, splenectomy

Perioperative spleen embolization as a useful tool in laparoscopic splenectomy for simple and massive splenomegaly in children: a prospective study.

The purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the efficiency of perioperative spleen embolization prior to laparoscopic splenectomy indicated for hypersplenism. We conducted a prospective study exploring a technique combining ultra-selective perioperative embolization and splenectomy. Between January 2008 and March 2013, 16 splenectomies were performed in children suffering from hypersplenism due to varying hematologic diseases. Spleen embolization was performed by an interventional radiologist in the operating room (OR) just before splenectomy and during the same general anesthesia. Ages varied from 3 to 17years. Spleen volume was measured by preoperative ultrasound. One patient underwent a laparotomy because of suspected adhesions due to previous surgery. All other operations were performed laparoscopically. One complication arose from embolization: a perforation of the splenic artery. After immediately placing a platinum coil proximal to the perforation, the splenectomy was carried out as usual. Fourteen children (87.5%) had splenomegaly, of which eight (50%) had massive splenomegaly. There were no deaths, no conversions to laparotomy, no reoperations and none of these patients had to be transfused. Perioperative spleen embolization performed in the OR by an interventional radiologist makes laparoscopic splenectomy a safer procedure. We propose a preoperative method for spleen measurement that is adapted to children: simple and massive splenomegaly is defined through patient body weight and a preoperative ultrasound. We conclude that spleen size is no more a limiting factor for laparoscopic splenectomy in children.

Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

Result: Fifty-one children had laparoscopic assisted splenectomy for either hypersplenism 42 (82.4%) or acute splenic sequestration 9 (17.6 %); 32 (63%) males and 19 (37%) females. The age range was 6 to 14 years, a mean age of 9.8. Only one (1.9%) case required conversion to open procedure due to excessive bleeding. Only 7 (13.7%) were admitted in the ICU following the procedure. The mean length of hospital stay was four days; the measured decrease in the HBS was 38%, preoperative fever was seen in 16 (31%), and there was no mortality. Conclusion: Laparoscopic splenectomy with a left inguinal incision is a safe and effective approach in children with SCD.

Laparoscopic splenectomy in children with benign hematological diseases: Leaving nothing behind policy.

Context:Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is considered the standard approach for the treatment of children with nonmalignant hematological diseases due to the advances in the minimal invasive surgery over the conventional splenectomy (CS). Different techniques are involved in the operation to secure the hilum.Aim:The use of (Ligasure™) is a safe, effective, less time consuming and with less complications rate.Materials and Methods:Sixty children (33 with thalassemia, 20 with immune thrombocytopenic purpura [ITP] and seven with spherocytosis) were operated during the period from June 2007 to December 2014. These children had undergone LS using (Ligasure™). Three ports were used in small-sized spleens while four ports were used in large spleens.Results:There were 60 children (37 girls and 23 boys) with a mean age of 10.2 years had LS using Ligasure™ with mean operative time of 85 min for cases of ITP and 120 min for other cases. There was no mortality. Two cases were converted to CS.Conclusions:Use of Ligasure™ alone was safe, less time consuming with less complications rates.

Impact of Spleen Size on Outcomes in Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Children.

Background. The aim of our study is to compare the efficacy of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) between enlarged spleens and normal sized spleens. Methods. From June 2006 to September 2012, 50 patients underwent LS. The patients consisted of 24 girls and 26 boys with the mean age of 8.64 years (1–18). The patients are divided into two groups according to spleen's longitudinal length on the ultrasonography. Group I consisted of the normal sized spleens; Group II consisted of spleens that are exceeding the upper limit. Groups are compared in terms of number of ports, operative time, rate of conversion to open procedure, and length of hospital stay. Results. The mean number of ports was 3.27 and 3.46, the mean length of the operation was 116.36 min and 132.17 min, rate of conversion to open procedure was 9.09% and 10.25%, and the mean length of hospital stay was 3.36 days and 3.23 days, respectively, in Group I and Group II. Although there is an increase in the number of the ports, the operative time, rate of conversion to open procedure, and the length of hospital stay, the difference was not significant between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion. LS is safe and effective in enlarged spleens as well as normal sized spleens.

Acute chest syndrome after laparoscopic splenectomy in children with sickle cell disease: operative time dependent?

Laparoscopic splenectomy remains a technically demanding procedure. On patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), a post operative acute chest syndrome (ACS) can occur. The aim of the study was to look for predictive factors of post operative ACS. It's a retrospective study on patients with SCD, who underwent a laparoscopic splenectomy in Robert Debré hospital, Paris, France, between March 2008 and December 2013. Diagnosis of ACS was done if the patient developed hypoxemia associated with fever above 38.5 °C and an infiltrate on chest x ray during the post operative course. Pre-, post- and operative factors were studied. Descriptive statistics were compared using the Mann-Whitney test or the exact Fisher test. A p inferior to 0.05 was considered as significant. 52 patients with SCD underwent a laparoscopic splenectomy. Twelve patients presented a post operative ACS (23%) (mean age at surgery 4 years old) while forty did not (mean age 5.25 years old). Neither previous episode of ACS nor any factors reflecting SCD severity were significant. The shorter the operative time was, the greater the risk of developing an ACS (p < 0.05). ACS is an important complication following laparoscopic splenectomy in patients with SCD. The immediate post operative management, in the absence of predictive factors for ACS, should be carefully followed in a high dependency unit at least for 48 h for all patients.

Implementation of laparoscopic splenectomy in children and the incidence of portal vein thrombosis diagnosed by ultrasonography

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate if symptomatic or asymptomatic PVT, as diagnosed with ultrasonography (US), occurs more often in children after the introduction and implementation of LS compared to open splenectomy. MethodsA retrospective cohort of 76 splenectomized patients for benign hematological disease were analyzed, 24 after open splenectomy (OS) and 52 after LS. ResultsIn six of the OS and 40 after LS a postoperative US was obtained. In two patients after LS, a PVT was seen on US. Both patients were symptomatic and also underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The length of stay in the hospital was significantly shorter for LS (median 4.5days, range 2–12) compared to OS (median 7days, range 5–12), (P=.00). Median operation time of OS was 65min (range 35–130min) and of LS 170min (range 85–275min) (P=.00). There was no difference in postoperative complications. ConclusionThe risk of developing a PVT after laparoscopic splenectomy seems low, and thus LS is not contraindicated in patients with benign hematological disease. When combining LS and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, prophylactic heparin might be considered.

Is expertise in pediatric surgery necessary to perform laparoscopic splenectomy in children? An experience from a department of general surgery

Splenectomy is frequently required in children for various hematologic pathologic findings. Because of progress in minimally invasive techniques, laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become feasible. The objective of this report is to present a monocentric experience and to evaluate the efficacy of and complications observed after laparoscopic splenic procedures in a department of general surgery. 57 consecutive LSs have been performed in a pediatric population between January 2000 and October 2010. There were 33 females and 24 males with a median age of 12years (range 4-17). Indications were: hereditary spherocytosis 38 cases, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura 10, sickle cell disease (SCD) 6, thrombocytopenic thrombotic purpura 2 and non-hodgkin lymphoma 1 case. Patients were operated on using right semilateral position, employing Atlas Ligasure vessel sealing system in 49 cases (86%) and Harmonic Scalpel+EndoGIA in 8. In 24 patients (42.1%), a cholecystectomy was associated. Two patients required conversion to open splenectomy (3.5%). In three cases, a minilaparotomy was performed for spleen removal (5.2%). Accessory spleens were identified in three patients (5.2%). Complications (8.8%) included bleeding (two), abdominal collection (one) and pleural effusion (two). There was no mortality. Average operative time was 128min (range 80-220). Average length of stay was 3days (range 2-7). Mean blood loss was 80ml (range 30-500) with a transfusion rate of 1.7% (one patient). Laparoscopic spleen surgery is safe, reliable and effective in the pediatric population with hematologic disorders and is associated with minimal morbidity, zero mortality, and a short length of stay. Ligasure vessel sealing system shortened operative time and blood loss. On the basis of the results, we consider laparoscopic approach the gold standard for the treatment of these patients even in a department of general surgery.