Laparoscopic treatment of hereditary spherocytosis (splenectomy plus cholecystectomy)

Concomitant Laparoscopic Splenectomy and Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Background: Concomitant laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy (CLSC) is performed for concurrent pathologies of the spleen and gallbladder. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the available evidence on its indications, operative technique, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: The PubMed and Cochrane bibliographical databases were searched from the beginning of time (last search: December 6, 2019) for studies reporting on CLSC. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) quality assessment tool was utilized for the evaluation of eligible articles. Results: Eight studies met inclusion criteria and concerned collectively 108 patients (53 males and 55 females) with a mean age of 27.02 ± 20.48 years (mean, SD). The most common surgery indications were hereditary spherocytosis (38.9%) and sickle cell disease or β-thalassemia (32.4%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy preceded splenectomy in the majority of cases (75%). A five-trocar approach was most frequently (89.8%) utilized. The mean operation duration was 170.18 ± 53.07 minutes (mean, SD). Resected spleen weight was 601.82 ± 386.02 g (mean, SD) and had a length of 18.74 ± 5.3 cm (mean, SD). The conversion rate was 2.7%, while 20.4% of included cases experienced postoperative complications. Most frequent ones included pulmonary infection (6.5%) and portal/splenic vein thrombosis (4.6%). No postoperative death was recorded. Mean hospitalization period was 5.43 ± 3.18 days (mean, SD). Conclusions: CLSC is a safe and feasible operation for simultaneous diseases of the spleen and gallbladder that require elective procedures. High-quality clinical trials are essential to further elucidate clinical evidence and standardize operative technique.

Total versus partial splenectomy in pediatric hereditary spherocytosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To compare the clinical effectiveness of total splenectomy (TS) or partial splenectomy (PS) in pediatric hereditary spherocytosis, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed (PROSPERO registration CRD42015030056). There were 14 observational studies comparing pre- and postoperative hematologic parameters. Secondary outcomes include in-hospital infections, surgical complications, symptomatic recurrence, and biliary disease. TS is more effective than PS to increase hemoglobin (3.6 g/dl vs. 2.2 g/dl) and reduce reticulocytes (12.5% vs. 6.5%) after 1 year; outcomes following PS are stable for at least 6 years. There were no cases of overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis. A population-based patient registry is needed for long-term follow-up.

Consecutive laparoscopic gallbladder and spleen resections in cirrhotic patients

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) plus splenectomy (LS) in liver cirrhosis patients.

METHODS: From 2003 to 2013, 17 (group 1) patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by hypersplenism and symptomatic gallstones were treated with combined LC and LS, while 58 (group 2) patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism received LS alone. An additional 14 (group 3) patients who received traditional open procedures during the same period were included as controls. Data were retrospectively collected and reviewed in regard to demographic characteristics and preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative features. Differences between the three groups were assessed by statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The three groups showed no significant differences in the demographic characteristics or preoperative status. However, the patients treated with LC and LS required significantly longer operative time, shorter postoperative stay as well as shorter time of return to the first oral intake, and suffered less intraoperative blood loss as well as fewer postoperative surgical infections than the patients treated with traditional open procedures (group 1 vs group 3, P < 0.05 for all). The patients treated with LC and LS showed no significant differences in the intraoperative and postoperative variables from those treated with LS alone (group 1 vs group 2). All patients showed significant improvements in the haematological responses (preoperative period vs postoperative period, P < 0.05 for all). None of the patients treated with LC and LS presented with any gallstone-associated symptoms following discharge, while the patients treated with the traditional open procedures expressed complaints of discomfort related to their surgical incisions.

CONCLUSION: Consecutive LC and LS is an appropriate treatment option for liver cirrhosis patients with gallstones and hypersplenism, especially for those with Child-Pugh A and B.

Consecutive concomitant laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy: an Italian experience of 30 patients and proposition of a technique

INTRODUCTION

With recent advancements in the field of minimally invasive surgery, combined laparoscopic procedure is now being performed for treating coexisting abdominal pathologies during the same surgery. In some patients, spleen disorders are associated with gallbladder stones. Conventional surgery requires a wide upper abdominal incision for correct exposure of both organs. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and outcomes of concomitant laparoscopic treatment for coexisting spleen and gallbladder diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty consecutive laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) have been performed in our department between January 2000 and December 2009 (24% of 125 LS performed in this period). There were 11 female patients and 19 male patients, with a median age of 16.2 years (range: 4-55). Indications were hereditary spherocytosis for 22 cases, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura for 3 cases, thalassemia for 4 cases, and sickle cell disease for 1 case. Patients were operated on using right semilateral position, tilting the table from right to left, using a five-trocar technique in 25 cases and a four-trocar technique in the last 5 cases. Cholecystectomy was performed first, then splenectomy was achieved, and spleen was removed in an Endobag.

RESULTS

One patient required conversion to open procedure (3.3%) because of splenomegaly. Average operative time was 150 minutes (range: 90-240). Average length of stay was 3.5 days (range: 3-11). Mean blood loss was 60  mL (range: 30-500). Transfusion rate was 3.3%. Mean spleen size and weight were, respectively, 16.5  cm and 410  g. No perioperative mortality occurred in the series. We reported 3 cases of hemoperitoneum, of which one managed conservatively. The results using four trocars were comparable to those with five trocars.

CONCLUSION

With increasing institutional experience, concomitant laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy is a safe and feasible procedure and may be considered for coexisting spleen and gallbladder diseases. The four-trocar technique guarantees good results.

Concomitant laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and outcomes of concomitant laparoscopic treatment for coexisting spleen and gallbladder diseases.

METHODS

Between March 1997 and August 2009, 9 patients underwent concomitant laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy. Indications for laparoscopic splenectomy included hereditary spherocytosis (4 patients), splenic artery aneurysm (2), hypersplenism (2), and Evans syndrome (1).

RESULTS

The median operating time and the blood loss were 165 minutes (range: 70 to 300 min) and 36 mL (range: 10 to 274 mL). The median resected splenic weight was 256 g (range: 137 to 820 g). No patient required conversion to an open procedure. Portal system thrombosis occurred in 2 patients. The median length of hospital stay was 9 days (range: 3 to 15 d).

CONCLUSION

With increasing institutional experience, concomitant laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy is a safe and feasible procedure and may be considered for coexisting spleen and gallbladder diseases.

Laparoscopic splenectomy plus cholecystectomy for treating hereditary spherocytosis combined with cholelithiasis in siblings

With the advancements that have been made in the field of minimally invasive surgery, combined laparoscopic procedures are now being performed for treating coexisting abdominal pathologies during the same surgery; this combined surgery thereby offers the maximum benefits to the patients. In this paper we describe how we perform laparoscopic splenectomy plus cholecystectomy at the same time to treat hereditary spherocytosis combined with cholelithiasis in two siblings.

Anemia and the liver. Hepatobiliary manifestations of anemia

Many types of hemolytic anemia may be associated with liver disease. Liver injury can be caused by the adherence of deformed or hemolyzed erythrocyses to hepatic vascular endothelium. Adhesion of large numbers of hemolyzed red blood cells to hepatic macrophages, or occlusion of hepatic sinusoids by fragmented red cells, can also result in injury of the liver. Thrombosis of the hepatic or portal vein is associated with some types of hemolytic anemia, and can cause severe liner injury. These are some examples of hepatic injury that can be caused by hemolytic anemias. This article discusses some aspects of liver disease that is associated with sickle cell anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hereditary spherocytosis, and HELLP syndrome.

Combined laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy for the treatment of hereditary spherocytosis: is it safe and effective?

Hereditary spherocytosis is the most common red blood cell membrane disorder and often is associated with hemolytic crisis and premature cholelithiasis. Splenectomy is the only effective therapy for this disorder and often it is performed in combination with cholecystectomy. Conventional surgery requires a wide upper abdominal incision for correct exposure of the gallbladder and spleen. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and splenectomy have been performed safely worldwide. We report our experience with seven patients (one male and six female, average age 12 years) who underwent combined laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy for hereditary spherocytosis. The patient was placed in supine position and the procedure performed with a five-trocar technique. Cholecystectomy was performed first, then splenectomy was achieved and the spleen removed by morcellation into a retrieval bag (five cases) or via a 4- to 5-cm left subcostal incision (two cases). No patient required conversion to open technique or blood transfusion. The mean blood loss was 162 mL, mean operative time 207 minutes, mean spleen size 14.5 cm, and median postoperative hospital stay 4 days. No perioperative mortality or major complications occurred in our series. After a median follow-up of 18 months all patients showed sharp hematologic improvement. Despite the small number of cases, we consider the combined laparoscopic approach safe and effective for the treatment of hereditary spherocytosis.

Splenomegaly should not be considered a contraindication for laparoscopic splenectomy

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the impact of spleen size on operative and immediate clinical outcome in a series of 74 laparoscopic splenectomies (LS).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

LS is gaining acceptance as an alternative to open splenectomy. However, splenomegaly hinders LS, and massive splenomegaly has been considered a contraindication.

METHODS

Between February 1993 and September 1997, 74 patients with a wide range of splenic disorders were treated by laparoscopy and prospectively recorded. They were classified into three groups according to spleen weight: group I, <400 g (n = 52); group II, 400 to 1000 g (n = 9); and group III, >1000 g (n = 13). Age, operative time, number of trocars required, need for perioperative transfusion, spleen weight, conversion rate, mode of spleen retrieval (bag or accessory incision), postoperative analgesia requirements, length of hospital stay, and morbidity rates were recorded.

RESULTS

LS was completed in 69 patients, and the conversion rate was thus 6.7%. Operative time was significantly longer in patients with larger spleens, and an accessory incision was more frequently required. However, there were no significant differences in transfusion rate, length of stay, severe morbidity, or conversion rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary evaluation of LS for patients with large spleens suggests that it requires a longer operative time, but it is feasible and may potentially offer the same advantages (shorter stay and faster recovery) as it does to those with smaller spleens.

Laparoscopic splenectomy offers advantages in selected patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND

Splenectomy plays a crucial role in the management of selected patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Laparoscopic splenectomy has been suggested as an alternative to open techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was made for all patients undergoing splenectomy for ITP at our institution from June 1987 to August 1994.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients underwent splenectomy for ITP. Fourteen open procedures (group 1) and 7 laparoscopic procedures (group 2) were performed. Eleven of 14 patients in group 1 and all 7 patients in group 2 had appropriate increases in platelet count following surgery. There were 3 complications in group 1 and no major complications in group 2. Operative time was longer in group 2 (154 versus 68 minutes, P < 0.05), but decreased with experience (210 to 135 minutes). Compared with patients in group 1, patients in group 2 tolerated liquids sooner (0.7 versus 2.6 days, P < 0.05), required less parenteral narcotic (14 versus 65 morphine equivalents, P < 0.05), and were discharged sooner (2.1 versus 5 days, P < 0.05). All patients in group 2 remain well and require no medication after a mean follow-up of 11 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and effective in the management of select patients with ITP and offers advantages over open techniques.

Conservative laparoscopic treatment of a posttraumatic splenic cyst

Laparoscopy has recently been demonstrated to be a useful alternative to open surgery for the surgical treatment of spleen disorders, and it can also facilitate a conservative approach for treatment of selected spleen lesions. We present the laparoscopic spleen-preserving treatment of a post-traumatic spleen cyst. A 28-year-old female presented a mass in the left hypochondrium immediately after an uneventful pregnancy. CT revealed a splenic cyst of 10 x 8 cm. Laparoscopic exploration showed a cyst located in the lower pole of the spleen. All the cyst wall not covered by spleen tissue (70%) was excised, and the fragment of cyst wall was recovered through a bag. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged 72 hours later. The laparoscopic approach should be considered for evaluation and treatment of selected benign cystic lesions of liver, retroperitoneum or spleen origin.