Our clinical experience on laparoscopic splenectomy: Outcomes of 38 patients

Objective: Laparoscopic splenectomy has gained widespread acceptance in the treatment of hematological diseases in recent years. In this study, we aimed to present the outcomes of the patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. Methods: Between 2012 and 2015, the data of 38 patients, who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for hematological diseases at our clinic, were evaluated retrospectively. Results: 15 males and 23 females patients were underwent laparoscopic splenectomy, and the average age was 33.9 ± 12.9 years. Indications for splenectomy were idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in 34 patients, and hereditary spherocytosis in 4 patients. During the surgical exploration, accessory spleen was detected in 7 patients, and removed. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed at the same session in 2 hereditary spherocytosis patients who had stones in the gallbladder. One patient was converted to the open surgery due to the bleeding which was eliminated the exposure during the dissection. At the postoperative period, we observed atelectasis in one patient, and wound fat necrosis in one patient. In addition, thrombocytosis was observed in one patient. Hematological treatment was continued because of persistent refractory thrombocytopenia in two patients, and temporary thrombocytopenia in four patients. An accessory spleen was detected with splenic scintigraphy in one of these patients at the postoperative period. The average hospitalization time was 2.6 ± 0.7 days. Conclusion: Laparoscopic splenectomy for hematological diseases may be considered as first-line therapy with less hospital stay and morbidity