Unresolved issues in laparoscopic splenectomy

Laparoscopy is now expanding to surgery of intra-abdominal solid organs such as splenectomy for hematologic diseases. The purpose of this study is to further demonstrate that laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible for the surgeon, teachable for the resident, and beneficial to the patient and to revise prior contraindications to this minimally invasive approach.

Thirty-three consecutive cases of laparoscopic splenectomy were performed between May 1992 and March 1996. The series included 21 females and 12 males with a median age of 42 years (range 19-79) and a median weight of 73 kg (range 36-115). Indications included: immune thrombocytopenic purpura (20), hemolytic anemia (5), hereditary spherocytosis (4), infarction with abscess (1), Hodgkin's lymphoma (1), Gaucher's disease (1), and AIDS-related thrombocytopenia (1). Dissection was predominately performed with a new surgical instrument, the harmonic shears, and main vessels were controlled with clips.

Thirty-two (97%) of the cases were completed laparoscopically, with 1 (3%) conversion to control hilar bleeding. Four patients underwent simultaneous cholecystectomy. The median spleen size was 13 cm (range 8-28) and median weight was 256 g (range 40-2100). Median operating time was 242 minutes (range 85-515). Morbidity occurred in 2 (6%) patients: ileus and small bowel obstruction. Median hospital stay was 4 days (range 2-14). There was no mortality in our series. Median follow-up was 20 months (range 1-46) with no evidence of late surgical complication or recurrent disease.

Laparoscopic splenectomy may be successful in cases previously considered contraindicated, particularly splenomegaly and splenic infarct with abscess. It is a procedure that can be learned under appropriate guidance in academic centers.