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Predictors for morbidity and mortality following non-traumatic splenectomy at the University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi
1Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Elective splenectomy patients over 50 years old with low hematocrit (<33%) face higher morbidity and mortality risks. Surgical approach and longer operative times also predict mortality after splenectomy.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
Background:
- Splenectomy is a critical procedure for various non-trauma indications.
- Identifying pre-operative risk factors is essential for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify pre-operative predictors of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing elective splenectomy for non-trauma reasons.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 123 patients undergoing splenectomy (1986-1996).
- Data included demographics, indications, lab values, operative details, and outcomes.
- Chi-square test used for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Morbidity rate was 27.6%, with chest and wound infections being most common.
- Significant predictors of mortality included age >50 years, hematocrit <33%, thoraco-abdominal approach, and operative time >120 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Age over 50 is a significant predictor of morbidity post-splenectomy.
- Age >50, low hematocrit (<33%), thoraco-abdominal approach, and prolonged operative time (>120 min) predict mortality.
Objective:
To determine the pre-operative predictors of morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing elective splenectomy for non-trauma indications.
Methods:
Analysis of 123 patients who underwent splenectomy at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between 1986-1996. Data collected included patients' demographic data, indication for splenectomy, laboratory data, details of operative procedure and postoperative events for morbidity and mortality. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Chi-square test.
Results:
Of the patients, 69% were males and 31% females with ages ranging from 13-72 years (mean 39 years). Portal hypertension constituted 55% of the indications and benign hematological conditions 26%. The morbidity rate was 27.6% and the commonest complication was chest and wound infection in 6.6% and 5.7%, respectively. Age of >50 years, pre- and postoperative haematocrit of <33%, thoraco-abdominal approach and operative time of >120 min had P values of < 0.05, <0.002, <0.03 and <0.03, respectively for postsplenectomy mortality.
Conclusions:
According to this study, age of >50 years is a significant predictor for morbidity following splenectomy, whereas age >50 years, pre- and postoperative haematocrit of <33%, thoraco-abdominal approach and operative duration >120 min were significant predictors of postsplenectomy mortality.
