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Does concurrent splenectomy at colorectal cancer resection influence survival?

Twenty-one patients had a concurrent splenectomy with resection of colorectal cancer between 1970 and 1988. These were matched individually with disease control patients based on age, sex, site of tumor, Dukes stage, tumor differentiation, and date of the operation. Significantly more patients in the splenectomy group (n = 11) developed postoperative infective complications than in the control group (n = 4) (McNemar test: P = 0.03). Five-year overall actuarial survival was 45 percent in the former group and 59 percent in the latter (log rank test: chi-squared = 1.07; P = 0.24). Similarly, five-year disease-free survival in 17 patients with Dukes B and C cancers who had curative resections did not differ between the groups (log rank test: chi-squared = 0.08; P > 0.25). These results suggest that splenectomy with resection of colorectal cancer increases the risk of postoperative sepsis and does not influence long-term survival. The infrequency of concurrent splenectomy at resection of colorectal cancer may not overcome Type II error.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Indications for and results of splenectomy in different hematological disorders.

The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the indications for splenectomy in hematological disorders and to analyze the results depending on the indication leading to surgery. Fifty-six patients with various hematological disorders were splenectomized between 1990 and 1994. The main indication was noted. Operative success was defined as: return to normal platelet counts without further medication in thrombocytopenia, relief of pain and local compression syndrome in painful splenomegaly, hemoglobin levels > 10 g/dl without the need for further transfusions in hemolytic anemia, response to chemotherapy after splenectomy for prior resistance because of massive splenic infiltration, and relief of infection in splenic infection. Morbidity and mortality were noted. Five major indications for splenectomy were found: thrombocytopenia (n = 36, success 78%), painful splenomegaly (n = 8, success 100%), hemolytic anemia (n = 5, success 60%), resistance to chemotherapy because of massive splenic infiltration (n = 5, success 100%). One patient with thrombocytopenia died (mortality 2%). Seven patients had major complications (13%). In hematological diseases, thrombocytopenia, painful splenomegaly and splenic infection are likely to be improved by splenectomy. In hemolytic anemia it can be a helpful approach, while in resistance to chemotherapy because of massive splenic infiltration success is less likely.

Female↗

Clinical studies on the correlation between immunologic status and total gastrectomy combined with splenectomy.

The influence of splenectomy on the immunologic status of stomach cancer patients was studied. Eight gastric cancer patients having undergone total gastrectomy combined with splenectomy were evaluated immunologically. Peripheral lymphocyte counts were depressed and continued to be so in splenectomized patients. PHA-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis decreased rapidly after total gastrectomy with splenectomy and thereafter increased gradually. PHA skin test seemed to take almost the same time course. These recoveries to the normal range were observed 4 weeks after operation. In 10 other patients who had undergone total gastrectomy with splenectomy for gastric cancer and had been recurrence-free for more than 6 months, peripheral lymphocyte and T lymphocyte counts significantly increased compared with 7 cases having undergone total gastrectomy only, though no difference was seen in both PHA skin test and PHA-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis between the 2 groups.

Adult↗

Effect of regional or distant lymph node removal and of splenectomy on immunologic responses in Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice.

To study the role of regional (RLN) and distant (DLN) lymph nodes and of the spleen in the regulation of tumor immunity, we monitored tumor growth in mice subjected to lymph node removal or splenectomy. We found that tumor growth was facilitated when RLN were removed before or soon after tumor inoculation and that RLN removal after extirpation of the immunizing tumor decreased the host resistance to a subsequent challenge. When splenectomy preceded tumor inoculation, tumor growth was not affected, however, marked growth inhibition was observed when splenectomy was performed 5 days after tumor inoculation. Furthermore, splenectomy combined with extirpation of the immunizing tumor increased the host resistance to a subsequent challenge. We conclude from these studies that RLN or the spleen may be of immunologic importance in the host's tumor resistance.

Animals↗

Immunological evaluation after splenectomy for hairy cell leukemia--a case report.

Immunocompetence is generally reduced in patients with hairy cell leukemia (HCL), and splenectomy is advocated by many authorities as being the initial treatment of choice for HCL. A 46-year-old Japanese man with HCL underwent a splenectomy and was studied, with respect to immunological parameters, pre- and post-operatively. Preoperative analysis of the T cell subsets showed decreases in the proportions of OKT3 positive cells, OKT4 positive cells and OKT8 positive cells; a decrease in the OKT4/OKT8 ratio; and a markedly reduced lymphocyte blastic response in peripheral blood. After splenectomy, the increase in the proportion of OKT4 positive cells was greater than in that of OKT8 cells and the lymphocyte blastic response was also improved. The patient's post-operative course has been uneventful and immunological improvement is still recognizable now, 1 year after splenectomy.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Impact of splenectomy and immunochemotherapy on survival following gastrectomy for carcinoma: covariate interaction with immunosuppressive acidic protein, a serum marker for the host immune system. Tumor Marker Committee for the Study Group of Immunochemotherapy with PSK for Gastric Cancer.

The role of the spleen in tumor immunology is still controversial in that it can either enhance or suppress the antitumor immune response depending on the tumor-bearing host. To clarify this biphasic effect of the spleen, a clinical evaluation of splenectomy in conjunction with immunotherapy and the host immune status was performed in gastric cancer patients. The effect of splenectomy and immunotherapy in 253 gastric cancer patients enrolled in a prospective randomized trial (SIP) was analyzed using the Cox's proportional hazards model in terms of the covariate interaction of the preoperative immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) level. In patients with high IAP levels (>580 microg/ml) with predicted negative antitumor immune reactions, splenectomy improved the prognosis. In patients with lower IAP values, conversely, the preservation of the spleen and immunotherapy demonstrated a significant benefit to survival. The spleen was shown to have a biphasic activity in terms of its antitumor immune response depending on the IAP level of the patient. The effect of immunotherapy is significantly influenced by the activity of spleen cells. The preoperative IAP level is therefore considered to be a possible indicator for the effectiveness of splenectomy and immunotherapy in curatively resected gastric cancer patients.

Aged↗

Splenectomy in children with sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

A number of Saudi children (31) with sickle cell disease and thalassemia underwent splenectomy: 12 for frequent blood transfusions, 15 for chronic hypersplenism (most of whom were also the recipients of periodic blood transfusion) and 4 for splenic abscess. The mean age of splenectomy was 8.8 years (8 months-18 years). Eight patients had sickle cell disease, 14 beta-thalassemia and 9 had sickle cell thalassemia. All patients received prophylaxis against pneumococcal infection. There was one postoperative death most probably due to sepsis. Sixteen of those who required frequent preoperative blood transfusions needed no more transfusions, while in 7 the need for transfusions decreased significantly (p less than 0.05). For those with hypersplenism, there was a significant postoperative increase in total hemoglobin (P less than 0.001), RBC (P less than 0.001) and platelet counts (p less than 0.02); and a substantial decrease in reticulocyte counts (p less than 0.05). The common post splenectomy complications were chest infection and a brief episode of pyrexia, but without undue morbidity. The study establishes a definite place for splenectomy in a selected population of children with sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of risk of splenosis during laparoscopic splenectomy in rat model.

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is an alternative to open surgery. However, there is a theoretic risk of splenosis and abdominal cavity dissemination of splenic cells if the splenic capsule is broken, as seen by experimental evidence of tumoral cell mobilization by the pneumoperitoneum. We evaluated the features of splenosis after splenectomy operated via an open approach or under laparoscopic control in an experimental model in the rat. A total of 65 Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed in seven groups that included the open approach, CO2 pneumoperitoneum LS, or wall lift LS with or without a splenic graft. Splenic function was evaluated 90 day later through (1) scintigraphy with Tc-labeled heat-damaged erythrocytes; (2) determination of circulating "pitted" cells; and (3) analysis of the distribution of splenic pulp in the peritoneal cavity. Scintigraphy did not show viable residual tissue in any group after splenectomy; splenic activity in the splenic fossa was observed in 40% of the animals with grafts. Splenectomy increased the "pit" cell count, but it was reduced to normal values with a splenic graft. Necropsy showed normal splenic tissue in the splenic fossa in 100% of animals with a graft. Abdominal implants were observed significantly more frequent after CO2 LS than after the open surgery or a wall lift LS (80% vs. 20% vs. 30%; p < 0.05). In addition, trocar site implants were observed with CO2 LS (n = 3) or wall lift LS (n = 2), whereas there were no implants in the wound in the open group. We conclude that in an experimental rat model the pneumoperitoneum may facilitate abdominal splenosis after LS if the splenic capsule is ruptured or if splenic tissue spills compared with surgery without gas (open or laparoscopic).

Abdominal Muscles↗

Laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: outcome and long-term results.

The technical feasibility of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has been recently established. However, data regarding the efficacy of the procedure with long-term follow-up of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are scarce. The objective of this study was to determine retrospectively the immediate efficacy and the long-term results of a standardized laparoscopic procedure applied to patients with ITP refractory to medical treatment. Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed in 35 patients for ITP between May 1993 and May 1998. The lateral approach was used in the last 27 patients. Data were recorded retrospectively on that group. Twenty-six patients (96%) underwent successful LS. Mean operative time for the laparoscopic procedure was 90 minutes. There were no postoperative deaths. Postoperative complications developed in three patients. Thrombocytopenia resolved after surgery in 93% of patients, but 7 patients (25%) experienced relapse during a mean 28-month follow-up. At present no patient needs medical therapy to maintain a normal platelet count. Laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible and safe in patients with ITP. Long-term results of LS for ITP are comparable to those achieved with open splenectomy.

Adolescent↗

A critical comparison of robotic versus conventional laparoscopic splenectomies.

The benefit of robotic systems for general surgery is a matter of debate. We compare our initial series of robotic splenectomies with our first series of conventional laparoscopic ones. A retrospective analysis of the first six robotic versus the first six conventional laparoscopic splenectomies is presented. Patients were matched with regard to age, body-mass index, ASA score, and preoperative platelet levels. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Size and weight of the resected specimens were comparable in both groups. Median overall operating time was 154 (range, 115-292) min for the robotic and 127 (range, 95-174) min for the laparoscopic group. No complications occurred. There were no open conversions. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 (robotic group) and 6 (laparoscopic group) days. Median average costs were 6927 dollars for the robotic procedure versus $4084 for the conventional laparoscopic procedure (p < 0.05). Minimally invasive splenectomies are feasible using either conventional laparoscopic techniques or the da Vinci robotic system. In this analysis, procedures performed with the da Vinci robotic system resulted in prolonged overall operative time and significantly higher procedural costs. The use of a robotic system for laparoscopic splenectomy offers, at this stage, no relevant benefit and thus is not justified.

Adult↗

Elective splenectomy in the elderly--perioperative and long-term course.

BACKGROUND: The hazards of elective splenectomy in the elderly have not been thoroughly investigated. The aim was to assess such a well-defined cohort with respect to perioperative and long-term outcome. METHODS: Fifty-two consecutively splenectomised patients during the period 1971-1995, aged 65 years or older, were followed until death (44 cases) or the end of 1999 (8 cases). RESULTS: No intraoperative deaths occurred, while three patients (5.8%) died postoperatively in the 1970s. Twenty-four patients suffered from thirty-four postoperative complications, dominated by infections and haematomas. No differences were seen comparing patients with and without complications related to the American Society of Anesthesiologists' classes, total transfusion rate, steroid medication, preoperative risk diseases, "giant spleens" or the time period during which the operations were performed. In 69% of the patients, the splenectomy was beneficial. During the long-term follow-up, 25 patients suffered from 59 infectious and thromboembolic episodes and 1 surgical complication. The dominating causes of death were the primary disease (29%), myocardial infarction (20%), sepsis (12%) and cerebrovascular lesions (12%), i.e. not directly related to late effects of the operation. CONCLUSION: High-risk patients older than 65 years with haematological disorders can safely undergo splenectomy with a low mortality rate and a reasonable rate of morbidity. The long-term course demonstrates a fair response rate, minimal surgically related complications, but thromboembolic and infectious events, and the majority of deaths unrelated to late effects of the splenectomy.

Aged↗

Laparoscopic splenectomy for torsion of wandering spleen associated with celiac axis occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Wandering spleen is a spleen lacking its normal ligamentous attachments, and thus subjected to free movement in the abdominal cavity, and even torsion around its pedicle. Surgical treatment includes either fixation (splenopexy) or resection (splenectomy). Both procedures can now be accomplished using the laparoscopic approach. METHODS AND RESULTS: We describe a case of a torsion of a wandering spleen, leading to recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, and eventually to splenic ischemia, necessitating splenectomy. The diagnosis was complicated by associated angiographic findings of celiac axis occlusion, possibly by median arcuate ligament compression. Laparoscopic splenectomy was successful, and led to complete resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Although a rare condition, wandering spleen can be diagnosed accurately by imaging studies, mainly CT scan and angiography. Nowadays, the laparoscopic approach is preferred and enables the surgeon to perform either splenopexy or splenectomy, depending on the vascular status of the spleen.

Adult↗

Technical standardization of laparoscopic splenectomy: experience with 105 cases.

BACKGROUND: Some reports have suggested that laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) can be successfully performed in adults. However, several aspects of this procedure remain as yet undefined; therefore, several attempts have been made to modify the standard technique to try to optimize the procedure. Herein we analyze our experience with 105 laparoscopic splenectomies. METHODS: From 1993 to 2000, 105 patients underwent LS at our hospital. Twelve of these patients also underwent a concomitant cholecystectomy. There were 66 women and 39 men whose ages ranged between 4 and 78 years (median, 27.7). All patients underwent an elective laparoscopic splenectomy. Seventy five patients had thrombocytopenia (ITP), 14 had hereditary spherocytosis, eight were affected by b-thalassemia, two had splenic cysts, two had lymphoma, (two had myeloid chronic leukemia, one patient presented with a splenic abscess and one had incurred an iatrogenic spleen lesion during adrenalectomy. The first patients in this series were positioned in dorsal decubitus; however, as the team's experience increased, the right lateral decubitus became the position of choice because it provides better exposure of the splenic hilum. This procedure requires the use of only four trocars. RESULTS: Mean operating time was 95 min (range, 35-320). Hospital stay ranged from 2 to 21 days (median, 4.5). There was only one conversion to open surgery. One patient died in the postoperative period due to the evolution of a preexisting malignant disease. We recorded nine complications-four subphrenic abscesses, two cases of pleuritis, two episodes of postoperative bleeding, and one intestinal infarction 16 days after surgery. Only two patients needed redo surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the laparoscopic approach is a valid alternative to open splenectomy, but mastery of some of the technical details of this procedure could greatly help avoid its complications. On the basis of our experience, it seems that the lateral approach should be considered the position of choice because it provides exposure and easier dissection of the splenic hilar structures. We also found that a 30 degrees scope and an ultrasonic dissector allowed for perfect vision and optimal hemostasis during the procedure. At the end of procedure, the spleen should be fragmented and then extracted using an extraction bag.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic removal of retroperitoneal accessory spleen in patient with relapsing idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura 30 years after classical splenectomy.

The clinical success of therapeutic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura depends on the complete removal of all functional splenic tissue. Among reasons for poor response to splenectomy, failure to remove accessory spleens is mentioned. We present our experience with laparoscopic removal of accessory spleen from retroperitoneal space in a patient with relapse of ITP 30 years after classical splenectomy. A 45-year-old female patient underwent in 1972 classical splenectomy for ITP. Progressive decline in thrombocyte count was observed 7 years ago. Scintigraphy, CT, and ultrasound revealed residual splenic tissue. A laparoscopic approach was proposed. Four trocars placed along left costal margin were used. After dissection of all the adhesions behind the pancreatic tail deep in the retroperitoneal space a round structure 4 cm in diameter, macroscopically resembling splenic tissue, was found. The accessory spleen was removed intact. The patient recovered well; 2 months later steroids were discontinued while the thrombocyte level was 251 x 10(9)/L. Identification of accessory spleen seems to be major intraoperative problem. We believe that accessory spleen can be safely removed laparoscopically, avoiding a major open procedure, and a satisfactory postoperative result could be expected.

Female↗

Outpatient laparoscopic splenectomy: patient safety and satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the feasibility of outpatient laparoscopic splenectomy, as performed by an experienced laparoscopic term and combined with optimal anesthesia. METHODS: Inclusion criteria in the study was limited to patients not hospitalized before the procedure who had hematological or neoplastic indications for splenectomy and were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-III. They received general intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil and were given keterolac, propacetamol, droperidol, and ondansetron as prophylaxis against postoperative pain and nausea. Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed via three trocars. The specimen was removed via an incision in the left iliac fossa. RESULTS: Ten of the 12 patients were discharged 3-6 h postoperatively; the other two were admitted primarily to hospital. One was readmitted due to a fever, which was finally explained by measles. The median operative times was 58 min (range, 45-135). Patient satisfaction was excellent in nine and intermediate in two cases; it was poor in one case, due to postoperative pain. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic splenectomy can be completed in a relatively short time; therefore, it is feasible, safe, and satisfactory for most patients as an outpatient procedure.

Adolescent↗

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy in the setting of splenomegaly.

BACKGROUND: Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) devices may be well suited to splenectomy in cases of splenomegaly. METHODS: All cases of HALS for splenectomy between 1997 and 2001 were reviewed. Patient characteristics, operative details, and morbidity and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: HALS for splenectomy was performed in 54 patients. A total of 39 patients with massive splenomegaly (MS) (>600 g) were identified. The average weight of the MS group was 1285 +/- 505 g. There was one (3%) conversion. Operative time was 159 +/- 65 min, estimated blood loss was 257 +/- 240 ml, and length of hospital stay was 5.4 +/- 2.9 days. Morbidity was limited to 13 patients (24%), and there were two postoperative mortalities (5.1%). CONCLUSIONS: HALS for splenectomy in the setting of splenomegaly is feasible and safe. For the surgeon considering a laparoscopic approach in the setting of splenomegaly, a hand-assisted technique is ideally suited for removal of the enlarged spleen.

Adult↗

Transgastric endoscopic splenectomy: is it possible?

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported the feasibility of diagnostic and therapeutic peritoneoscopy including liver biopsy, gastrojejunostomy, and tubal ligation by an oral transgastric approach. We present results of per-oral transgastric splenectomy in a porcine model. The goal of this study was to determine the technical feasibility of per-oral transgastric splenectomy using a flexible endoscope. METHODS: We performed acute experiments on 50-kg pigs. All animals were fed liquids for 3 days prior to procedure. The procedures were performed under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. The flexible endoscope was passed per orally into the stomach and puncture of the gastric wall was performed with a needle knife. The puncture was extended to create a 1.5-cm incision using a pull-type sphincterotome, and a double-channel endoscope was advanced into the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity was insufflated with air through the endoscope. The spleen was visualized. The splenic vessels were ligated with endoscopic loops and clips, and then mesentery was dissected using electrocautery. RESULTS: Endoscopic splenectomy was performed on six pigs. There were no complications during gastric incision and entrance into the peritoneal cavity. Visualization of the spleen and other intraperitoneal organs was very good. Ligation of the splenic vessels and mobilization of the spleen were achieved using commercially available devices and endoscopic accessories. CONCLUSIONS: Transgastric endoscopic splenectomy in a porcine model appears technically feasible. Additional long-term survival experiments are planned.

Animals↗

Laparoscopic splenectomy for hematologic diseases: a preliminary analysis performed on the Italian Registry of Laparoscopic Surgery of the Spleen (IRLSS).

BACKGROUND: The Italian Registry of Laparoscopic Surgery of the Spleen (IRLSS) was developed to provide at the national level an informative tool useful for performing multicenter studies in the field of spleen laparoscopic surgery. In this first study analyzing the IRLSS data, a cohort of patients with hematologic diseases was retrospectively investigated for potential predictive parameters that could affect the outcome of laparoscopic splenectomy. METHODS: A total of 309 patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for hematologic diseases in 17 Italian centers (between February 1, 1993, and September 30, 2004) were entered in the IRLSS. Their records were analyzed retrospectively by the Student's t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 141 min (range, 30-420 min). Conversion was necessary in 21 cases (7%), and approximately 1 accessory spleen in 25 patients (9%) was found. The mean spleen weight was 1191 g (range, 85-4,500 g). Perioperative death occurred in two cases (0.6%). No complications were experienced by 253 patients (81.9%), who had a mean hospital stay of 5.4 days (range, 2-30 days). Overall morbidity occurred in 56 patients (18.1%), mainly associated with transient fever (n = 22), pleural effusion (n = 13), and actual or suspected hemorrhage (n = 12), requiring a reintervention for 7 patients. Multivariate analysis found that body mass index (p = 0.024) and clinical indication (p = 0.004) were independent predictors for surgical conversion. The clinical indication was almost significant as an independent predictor for the occurrence of postoperative complication (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This first study analyzing the IRLSS data shows that laparoscopic splenectomy may represent the gold standard treatment for hematologic diseases with normal-size spleen. The low morbidity and mortality rate suggests that laparoscopic splenectomy can be successfully proposed also for splenomegaly in hematologic malignancies.

Adolescent↗