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Updated: Mar 21, 2026

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Application of Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy with Total Blood Flow Occlusion in Benign Splenic Lesions
Published on: December 20, 2024
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Temporal changes in hematologic markers after splenectomy, splenic embolization, and observation for trauma
B Wernick1, A Cipriano1, S R Odom2
1Department of Surgery, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA, USA.
Summary
Hematologic parameters differ significantly following splenic trauma management. Splenectomy and embolization groups showed elevated white blood cell counts and platelet counts compared to observation, with distinct red blood cell distribution width and mean corpuscular volume trends.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Hematology
- Surgical Critical Care
Background:
- Blunt splenic trauma is common, with modern management favoring non-operative approaches like observation and angioembolization over splenectomy.
- Hematologic changes following these splenic trauma treatments are not well understood.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for optimizing patient care and predicting outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate significant differences in hematologic characteristics over time based on splenic trauma treatment modality.
- To compare hematologic parameters between observation (OBS), embolization (EMB), and splenectomy (SPL) groups.
- To test the hypothesis that hematologic alterations vary based on the chosen treatment for splenic injury.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hematologic indices from patients with splenic trauma across three academic trauma centers (March 2000 - December 2014).
- Inclusion criteria: splenic trauma and length of stay >96 hours, with data analyzed up to 1080 hours post-injury.
- Key parameters analyzed: platelet count, RBC count and indices (MCV, RDW), and WBC count with differential; non-parametric statistical testing was employed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in red blood cell (RBC) counts were observed between groups.
- Elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and RBC distribution width (RDW) were noted in splenectomy (SPL) and embolization (EMB) groups compared to observation (OBS).
- White blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, monocyte, and platelet counts were significantly higher in SPL and EMB groups compared to OBS.
Conclusions:
- Significant trends in hematologic parameters exist following splenic trauma, varying by management strategy (SPL, EMB, OBS).
- White blood cell counts were highest in SPL, followed by EMB, then OBS.
- Distinct patterns in RBC indices and elevated platelet counts in SPL/EMB groups compared to OBS provide a basis for future research.

