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Splenectomy in advanced chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

A group of 20 patients with stage C chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and marked splenomegaly refractory to anti-leukaemia treatment was evaluated in relation to clinical course and survival after splenectomy, and compared with a control group of non-splenectomised CLL patients at the same disease stage. Patients in the former group showed a significant clinical improvement after splenectomy, being reallocated to, and maintained in, stages A (85%) or B (10%) for more than 24 months. Ten patients were still alive 24-135 months after splenectomy. The 10 deaths observed in the group of splenectomised patients occurred 4-69 months after surgery, due to disease progression and/or immunoblastic transformation (4 cases), infectious complications (3 cases) and unrelated causes (3 cases). Analysis of survival from diagnosis showed a significantly better prognosis for patients in the splenectomised group (median survival 10 years, as compared to 3.5 years for the control group). The same statistical difference, p less than 0.001, with better life expectancy for splenectomised patients, was observed when the survival was calculated from the time of progression to stage C. These results strongly suggest a beneficial role for splenectomy in advanced CLL with significant splenomegaly, when the accumulation of resistant lymphoid cells precludes an adequate control of the disease by conventional forms of treatment.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Splenectomy, iron overload and liver cirrhosis in beta-thalassemia major.

In order to evaluate the interrelations of splenectomy, iron overload and cirrhosis, histologic specimens of liver and spleen were examined and correlated in 12 children with beta-thalassemia major. All patients had received blood transfusions since infancy. Correlations seemed to exist between splenic hemosiderosis and splenic weight, and between the latter and the age at time of splenectomy. All liver samples showed varying hemosiderosis, not correlated with the number of transfusions or the children's age. Irregular liver cirrhosis existed in three children, 7, 8, and 14 years after splenectomy. No cirrhosis existed in any of the children where the spleen was in situ. Splenectomy in children with thalassemia may carry the long-term risk of liver cirrhosis.

Adolescent↗

Influence of splenectomy on hemostasis in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia.

The effect of splenectomy on hemostatic tests was studied in 10 patients with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia. Prolonged partial thromboplastin time and abnormal prothrombin consumption were found before splenectomy and were normalized postoperatively in the majority of patients. Prolonged bleeding time and prothrombin time were normalized in some patients. While platelet counts and fibrinogen levels rose significantly following splenectomy, platelet aggregation remained impaired. Thrombocytosis and increased fibrinogen level after splenectomy in patients with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia can enhance a thromboembolic tendency.

Adult↗

Phenotypic and functional analysis of cellular cytotoxicity after splenectomy.

Phenotypic and functional aspects of cellular cytotoxicity were investigated in patients after splenectomy. While assays testing for natural killer cell (NK) activity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity showed a significantly reduced (p less than 0.005 and p less than 0.025, respectively) activity of the relevant cell populations, lectin-dependent cellular cytotoxicity was either normal or, in one dilution of phytohemagglutinin, even significantly increased (p less than 0.025), as compared to healthy control persons. In a search for a possible explanation for this phenomenon, it was found that the total lymphocyte count was significantly increased (p less than 0.01) in patients after splenectomy, when compared with healthy control individuals. However, neither the absolute cell count nor the percentage of Leu7+ lymphocytes showed significant differences between splenectomized patients and controls. In contrast, the percentages of (Leu7+Leu2)+, OKT11+, OKT4+ and Leu2a+ lymphocytes were significantly decreased (p less than 0.0025, p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.005, respectively) in splenectomized patients with not only the percentage, but also the absolute number of DR+ lymphocytes being significantly increased (p less than 0.005 and p less than 0.05, respectively). We thus conclude that in patients after splenectomy NK activity is decreased which may possibly be due to the lack of a NK subset. In contrast, the overall percentages of T cells (OKT11+), T helper/inducer (OKT4+) and T suppressor cells (Leu2a+) were significantly decreased in patients after splenectomy, although this defect could be compensated by a significant increase in the absolute lymphocyte number.

Adult↗

Observations on NK cells, K cells and on their function a long time after posttraumatic splenectomy.

Natural killer (NK) cell activity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of 48 posttraumatic splenectomy patients was found to be normal despite the increase in the proportion and the absolute number of large granular lymphocytes (LGLs). The NK cell activity of 2 further posttraumatic splenectomy cases was severely decreased, despite elevated number of LGLs and normal number of CD16+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Besides increased susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections, 1 of these patients developed herpes genitalis recidivans. Two posttraumatic splenectomy patients were found to have developed chronic lymphocytic leukemia 5 and 31 years following splenectomy, respectively.

Adult↗

Red cell life span after splenectomy in hereditary spherocytosis.

Despite the persistence of spherocytosis after splenectomy in hereditary spherocytosis, it has usually been assumed that red cell life span returns completely to normal after this treatment. Diisopropyl fluorophosphate. DF(32)P, a noneluting red cell label, was given intravenously to 11 patients in five unrelated families 2-27 yr after splenectomy for typical hereditary spherocytosis. Hemoglobin ranged from 14.0 to 19.8 g/100 ml in this group and reticulocytes from 1.1 to 2.9%, showing the excellent clinical response to splenectomy. Loss of red cell radioactivity corrected for radiophosphorus decay was linear with time during the 60-70 days of the study. Red cell survival as indicated by this rate of loss was 96 +/- 13 days (range 76-118 days), significantly less than the 123 +/- 14 days observed with the same method in 12 persons with normal red cells (P < 0.0005). I conclude that splenectomy does not eliminate the decreased red cell survival in hereditary spherocytosis. The residual 22% decrease in red cell survival is clinically unimportant, but it must be considered in evaluation of biochemical differences observed in hereditary spherocytic red cells.

Adult↗

Effects of splenectomy on serum lipids and experimental atherosclerosis.

The authors examined the effects of splenectomy on serum lipids in patients with hematologic disease, in rabbits, and also in cholesterol-fed rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis. Serum cholesterol was determined in patients with hypersplenism before and after splenectomy. Meanwhile serum lipids were determined in two groups of rabbits: splenectomy group (Spx group, n = 19), and sham operation group (Sham group, n = 14) before and after the operation. Then the rabbits were divided into four subgroups: cholesterol-fed groups--Spx-C (n = 12) and Sham-C (n = (9), and normal-chow-fed groups--Spx-N (n = 7) and Sham-N (n = 5). The Spx-C and the Sham-C rabbits were fed 1% cholesterol diet and the Spx-N and Sham-N rabbits were fed normal chow for twelve weeks. In patients preoperative serum cholesterol levels were low, and significant increase in serum cholesterol was observed following splenectomy. In rabbits, the Spx-C group showed significantly higher levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids in contrast to lower levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, as compared with the Sham-C group. The percentage of aortic plaque area in the Spx-C group tended to be higher than that in the Sham-C group. On the other hand, the Spx-N and the Sham-N group showed no difference in serum lipids during twelve weeks. The worsening of atherosclerosis in the Spx-C group was considered to be mainly due to an enhanced hyperlipidemia. Their results suggest a possible role of the spleen in lipid metabolism, in particular the existence of a splenic factor that can cause hypocholesterolemia in hyperplenism and can suppress hyperlipidemia.

Adolescent↗

Splenectomy in a general hospital.

Splenectomy is often performed in patients with malignant disease or trauma who are at a high risk of complications. In the long term, it increases the risk of infection by encapsulated bacteria. An audit was performed to determine the reasons for splenectomy in a district general hospital, to review the results and complications of surgery, and to see how often the patients were prescribed antibacterial prophylaxis. Twenty-eight patients underwent splenectomy in 3 years. The indication was haematological disease in 13 and trauma in four. In the remaining nine the spleen was removed either as part of a radical gastrectomy or during some other abdominal procedure. Six of the 28 patients had died, one within 30 days from disseminated intravascular coagulopathy following an emergency gastrectomy and splenectomy for haematemesis, two from progressive haematological malignant disease, two from non-haematological malignancy, and one from bronchopneumonia. Of the nine patients (32%) with complications, three required a further laparotomy. Most patients had been prescribed pneumococcal vaccine (85%) and prophylactic antibiotics (93%).

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic splenectomy in children.

Splenectomy is frequently performed in children for various hematologic and autoimmune diseases. Advanced laparoscopic techniques have now been adapted to the pediatric patient making laparoscopic splenectomy an effective and desirable technique. This article reviews the indications for splenectomy, the selection criteria for the laparoscopic approach, and the technique of laparoscopic splenectomy in children. A review of surgical results is included.

Adolescent↗

Long-term outcomes in adults with chronic ITP after splenectomy failure.

Adult chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder manifested by thrombocytopenia from the effects of antiplatelet autoantibodies and T lymphocyte-mediated platelet cytotoxicity. Multiple studies show that corticosteroid treatment and splenectomy, alone or together, increase platelet counts to safe levels in 60% to 70% of patients. However, there is little information on the outcomes of ITP patients refractory to splenectomy. We studied 114 patients with ITP for whom splenectomy failed and who required additional therapy; long-term follow-up was available on 105 (92%) patients. Seventy-five (71.4%) patients attained stable partial (platelet count greater than 30 x 10(9)/L) or complete (normal platelet count) remission; 51 patients remained in remission after therapy was discontinued, whereas 24 patients required continued treatment. Median time to remission after splenectomy failure was 46 months (range, 1-437 months). Median remission durations were 60 months (range, 10-212 months) for patients off therapy and 48 months (range, 2-167 months) for patients on therapy. Thirty (29.6%) patients remained unresponsive to treatment. Thirty-two patients died, 17 (15.7%) of ITP (bleeding, 11 patients; therapy complications, 6 patients) and 15 (13.9%) of unrelated causes. We conclude that most patients with refractory ITP attain stable remission, though on average this occurs slowly. However, a subpopulation with severe, resistant disease experiences significant morbidity and mortality.

Adult↗

Does treatment with intermittent infusions of intravenous anti-D allow a proportion of adults with recently diagnosed immune thrombocytopenic purpura to avoid splenectomy?

This study explored whether repeated infusions of intravenous anti-D could allow adults with recently diagnosed immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who had failed an initial steroid course to postpone and ultimately avoid splenectomy. Twenty-eight Rh(+), nonsplenectomized adults with ITP diagnosed within 1 to 11 months and platelet counts 30 x 10(9)/L (30 000/microL) or below were enrolled. Anti-D was infused whenever the platelet count decreased to 30 x 10(9)/L (30 000/microL) or below. "Response" was defined as a platelet increase of more than 20 x 10(9)/L (20 000/microL) to more than 30 x 10(9)/L (30 000/microL) within 7 days of treatment. Patients were a median 3.5 months from ITP diagnosis at enrollment and had received a median of 2 previous therapies, including prednisone in 26 of 28 cases. They were followed for a median 26 months. A total of 93% responded to their initial infusion of anti-D, and 68% repeatedly responded with counts maintained above 30 x 10(9)/L (30 000/microL) using anti-D alone. Currently, 12 (43%) of 28 patients have been off all treatment for more than 6 months without undergoing splenectomy, 6 maintaining counts above 100 x 10(9)/L (100 000/microL). Seven continue on treatment, 8 underwent splenectomy, and 1 was lost to follow-up at 10 months. One patient discontinued anti-D because of toxicity. Patients with platelet counts at least 14 x 10(9)/L (14 000/microL) at enrollment were more likely to discontinue treatment (P <.05). Anti-D was an effective maintenance treatment for two thirds of Rh(+), nonsplenectomized adults with ITP who had failed an initial steroid course. Intermittent infusions of intravenous anti-D allowed more than 40% of these adults to avoid splenectomy and to achieve stable platelet counts off all therapy, even after many months of treatment. Platelet count at study entry was the primary predictor of outcome.

Adolescent↗

Splenectomy and the increasing risk of secondary acute leukemia in Hodgkin's disease.

PURPOSE: Following irradiation alone, secondary acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) is uncommon; following chemotherapy alone, the risk is increased, but not as much as when combined modality treatments are used. Because ANLL seems more likely to occur in splenectomized patients, attention is focused on an unexpected association between splenectomy and the risk of secondary leukemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The risk of ANLL was assessed in 503 patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) homogeneously treated with combined modality therapy (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone [MOPP] plus radiotherapy). These patients were diagnosed from 1970 through 1984 and monitored until June 1991. RESULTS: ANLL was observed in one of 145 (0.69%) patients not splenectomized and in 21 of 358 (5.86%) splenectomized patients, demonstrating a significantly higher frequency of ANLL in the group of patients who underwent splenectomy. The group of patients who developed ANLL received a statistically greater number of MOPP courses than did the group not developing ANLL. ANLL was statistically more frequent in those patients who received more than four cycles of MOPP. Sex, symptoms, extent of radiotherapy, splenectomy, age, and number of MOPP courses were assessed for their impact on ANLL incidence by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Cox's proportional hazards regression showed that splenectomy and, as previously described by others, the number of courses of MOPP are prognostic factors that increase the risk of secondary ANLL in HD patients treated with combined modality therapy. These data raise interesting questions regarding the possible role of the spleen in leukemia development.

Adult↗

Splenectomy during secondary cytoreduction for ovarian cancer disease recurrence: surgical and survival data.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer disease recurs predominantly in the abdomen, with the spleen usually involved as part of a vast spread of upper-abdominal disease or, less frequently, as an isolated site of disease recurrence. Very few reports are available in the literature on the outcome of patients subjected to splenectomy during secondary cytoreduction. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors and to review surgical and clinical data in order to identify those patients who would benefit the most from splenectomy during secondary cytoreduction. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer patients who underwent splenectomy as part of secondary cytoreduction. Surgical and survival data were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were identified. Multiple site disease recurrence was observed in 15 patients. The spleen was involved at the hilus in 12 patients; surface and intraparenchymal metastases were equally present. Optimal cytoreduction was achieved in all patients. At a median follow-up of 30 months, median progression-free and overall survival from the time of secondary surgery were 34 and 56 months, respectively. Overall survival was significantly correlated to residual disease at secondary surgery, disease-free survival, consolidation chemotherapy, and type of adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy as part of secondary cytoreduction is a feasible and safe procedure. Secondary cytoreduction in selected groups of patients is confirmed to be associated with high long-term survival rates even when aggressive surgery of the upper abdomen is required.

Adult↗

Splenectomy for severe autoimmune cytopenias after allogenic stem cell transplantation: case report.

Autoimmune cytopenias are rare but serious complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We per-formed splenectomy in 2 patients who had severe autoimmune cytopenias after allogeneic HSCT (allo-HSCT) that were resist-ant to immunosuppressive treatment. The first patient underwent unrelated allo-HSCT for chronic granulocytic leukemia(CGL) in July 2000. Seven months later, red blood cell and platelet counts went down. The results of a direct Coombs test were intermittently positive. The patient was resistant to therapy with steroids and high-dose immunoglobulin. After a splenectomy was performed in February 2001, the hemoglobin concentration and platelet count improved. Her blood counts remained stable, with a hemoglobin level of approximately 110 g/L and a platelet count >100 x 109/L. She continued therapy with itraconazole, valacyclovir, and penicillin. Some months later, the patient was readmitted for fulminant septic infection, which had a fatal outcome. The second patient underwent related allo-SCT for CGL in January 2003. Seven months later, he was readmitted for intraocular bleeding accompanied by severe thrombocytopenia with antiplatelet antibodies. The patient was resistant to steroid and high-dose immunoglobulin therapy. A splenectomy was performed in September 2003. His platelet count normalized and remains stable. The patient continues therapy with itraconazole, valacyclovir, and penicillin and has not experienced any serious infection. We assume that splenectomy is an effective treatment for resistant immune cytopenias after allo-HSCT. However, severe late infections can compromise the outcome.

Adult↗

[Phagocytes rate and cellular viability of the monocytes in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni who underwent splenectomy and auto-implantation of spleen tissue].

Mansonic schistosomiasis remains a medical-social issue in Northeastern Brazil. In children, surgical treatment includes splenectomy and spleen autoimplantation. This procedure reduces post-splenectomy sepsis. The aim of this study was to analyze the phagocyte rate and the cellular viability of monocytes in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, who underwent splenectomy and spleen autoimplantation from 1991 to 2001. Of the 22 individuals analyzed, 11 were patients who underwent splenectomy and spleen autoimplantation (Study group) and 11 were healthy individuals from the same region (Control group). Both groups presented similar mean age. No difference was found in the phagocyte rate between the control group (36.1%+/-4.9%) and study group (33.5%+/-5.7%). However, phagocyte viability after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide was higher (94%) in control group, when compared to the study group (65%), p<0.001. It is possible to hypothesize that monocytes from the study group patients presented a reduced response to the microorganism challenge, in the face of a harmful and long-lasting stimulus.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic versus open splenectomy in the management of hematologic diseases.

UNLABELLED: Splenectomy is the best available treatment for severe forms of hereditary spherocytosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and other hematologic conditions when these prove refractory to conservative management. It has been employed for many decades with low mortality and favorable remission rates. The use of laparoscopic splenectomy in recent years has been rapidly and even enthusiastically adopted in this field. However, the exact role of laparoscopic versus open surgery for hematologic diseases is still debated. In this study of 58 adult patients, laparoscopic procedures were compared with conventional splenectomies for similar indications. METHODS: All patients were operated on within an 8-year period. Subjects underwent similar procedures under the supervision of the same surgical school and were compared regarding age, gender, body mass index, and diagnosis. Laparoscopically managed cases (Group I, n = 30) were prospectively followed according to a written protocol, whereas the same investigation was retrospectively done with regard to traditional laparotomy (Group II, n = 28). Methods included general and demographic findings, duration and technical steps of operation, blood loss, weight of spleen, need for conversion (in minimally invasive subjects), intraoperative and postoperative complications, time until realimentation, postoperative hospitalization, mortality, and late follow-up including recurrence rate. RESULTS: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura was the surgical indication in over 50% of the patients in both groups, but familial spherocytosis, thalassemia, myelodysplasia, and lymphomas were also represented in this series. Laparoscopic procedures took more time to perform (P = 0.004), and postoperative hospitalization was 2 days shorter, but this difference was not statistically significant. Postoperative hematocrit and volume of blood transfusions was equivalent, although the laparoscopic cases had a somewhat lower preoperative hematocrit (NS) and displayed better recovery for this measurement (P = 0.03). More patients in Group I were able to accept oral food on the first day than subjects undergoing conventional operations (P < 0.05). Relatively few conversions were necessary during the minimally invasive surgeries (13.3%), and postoperative early and late complications as well as recurrences occurred in similar proportions. Also, the mean weight of the spleen was not statistically different between the groups, although there was a marked numerical tendency toward larger masses in conventional procedures. No spleen in Group I exceeded 2.0 kg, whereas in Group II values up to 4.0 kg occurred, and the mean weight was 50% higher in the latter group. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Minimally invasive splenectomy was essentially comparable to open surgery with regard to safety, efficacy, and late results; 2) Advantages concerning shorter postoperative hospitalization could not be shown, despite earlier food intake and a non-significant tendency toward earlier discharge; 3) This new modality should be considered an option in cases of hematologic conditions whenever the spleen is not hugely enlarged.

Adolescent↗

Nitric oxide monocyte production levels in patients with the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis mansoni who underwent splenectomy, ligature of the left gastric vein and auto implantation of spleen tissue in the major omentum.

PURPOSE: To measure the levels of NO production by monocytes in patients with the hepatosplenic form of Schistosomiasis mansoni who underwent splenectomy, ligature of the left gastric vein and auto implantation of spleen tissue in the major omentum. METHODS: Four groups of volunteers were enrolled in the investigation: G1 - 12 patients with S. mansoni infection in its hepatosplenic form without any kind of treatment (SMH); G2 - 13 SMH patients who underwent medical treatment and portal hypertension decompression splenectomy and ligature of the left gastric vein (SMH/SLGV); G3 - 19 patients similar to the later group, but additionally received auto implantation of spleen morsels in the major omentum (SMH/SLGV/AI); and G4 - 15 individuals with no S. mansoni infection coming from the same geographical area and presenting similar socio-economical status (CG). Nitrite production by monocytes was determined by a standard Griess reaction adapted to microplates. The results were presented by mean +/- SD for each group. Significant differences in NO production by monocytes were determined by Tukey-Kramer multicomparisons test. Probability values of 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Patients from G1 (SMH) showed lower level of NO production by monocytes (5.28 +/- 1.28 micromol/ml). Patients from G2 (SMH/SLGV) showed similar results (6.67 +/- 0.44 micromol/ml-q = 2.681 p > 0.05). Individuals of G4 (CG) showed higher level of NO production by monocytes (8.19 +/- 2.74 micromol/ml). Patients from G3 (SMH/SGLV/AI) showed similar NO production by PBMC as compared to individuals of G4 (CG) - (7.41 +/- 1.65 micromol/ml- q = 1.615 p > 0.05). The volunteers from G4 (CG) and G3 (SMH/SLGV/AI) showed significantly greater levels of NO production by monocytes as compared to those from G1 (SMH) - (q = 5.837 p < 0.01, and q = 4.285 p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Collectively, the results point to a restoration of NO normal production by monocytes in SHM patients who underwent medical and surgical treatments, especially in those who had received auto implantation of spleen tissue in the major omentum after splenectomy and ligature of the left gastric vein. The data gives further support to the hypothesis that this additional procedure is important in the restoration of the immune response of these patients, since NO synthesis by the monocytes correlates with protective immunity against infection; thus, protecting them against overwhelming post splenectomy infection.

Adolescent↗

[Functions of the splenic remnant after subtotal splenectomy for treatment of severe splenic injuries].

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical and laboratory variables in patients submitted to subtotal splenectomy. METHODS: 34 patients with severe trauma of the spleen and its pedicle were studied: 25 patients were submitted to subtotal splenectomy, preserving only the upper pole of the spleen (Group I), 9 were submitted to total splenectomy (Group II), and other 22 people with intact spleen were the control (Group III). Immediate and late postoperative complications were investigated. Laboratory exams were performed in the late postoperative period (red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets and Howell-Jolly bodies). We studied the B- and T-lymphocyte counts and the immunoglobulins A, G and M (IgA, IgG and IgM) levels. Splenic scintigraphy with technetium 99mTc sulfur colloid was carried out on all patients. RESULTS: Group II presented Howell-Jolly bodies increased and low level of immunoglobulin M. The splenic scintigraphy demonstrated the viability and the filtering function of the splenic remnant in Group I. CONCLUSIONS: Subtotal splenectomy is a surgical alternative technique for treatment of severe distal injuries of the spleen or when its main vessels are damaged.

Adult↗