Splenic Abscess Complicating Bariatric Surgery : A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Complications
• Bariatric Surgery Outcomes

Background:

• Bariatric surgery is a rapidly growing global subspecialty with low reported morbidity and mortality.
• Splenic abscess is a rare but serious complication of bariatric surgery, previously not systematically reviewed.
• Understanding this complication is vital for patient safety and surgical best practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the evidence on splenic abscess complicating bariatric surgery.
• To explore the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management options.
• To provide insights into this rare post-operative complication.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of reported cases.
• Analysis based on level-IV evidence due to the rarity of the condition.
• Inclusion of 27 relevant reported cases.

Main Results:

• The average age of affected patients was 38 years, with a median of 72 days between surgery and abscess development.
• Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was the primary procedure in 85.2% of cases.
• Nonsurgical management had a 34% success rate, and splenectomy was required in 41.7% of patients, with no reported mortality.

Conclusions:

• Splenic abscess is a rare, late-onset, serious complication of bariatric surgery, frequently following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
• It affects a relatively young patient population and may necessitate splenectomy.
• Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent life-threatening outcomes.