Splenectomy for massive splenomegaly

Removal of a massively enlarged spleen is a challenging surgical problem that is associated with higher death and complication rates than the removal of smaller spleens. Older age, serious and chronic primary diseases, and associated cardiopulmonary abnormalities contribute to the morbidity and mortality. Most patients with massive splenomegaly have been treated with corticosteroid and/or antineoplastic drugs, which impair wound healing, hemostatic function, and host resistance. Precise surgical technic is especially important in these cases because of the susceptibility to postoperative hemorrhage. Ligation of the splenic artery via the lesser peritoneal sac before mobilization of the spleen is associated with lower intraoperative transfusion requirements than when the spleen is mobilized before the splenic artery is ligated.