Laparoscopic versus open splenectomy: the impact of spleen size on outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic splenectomy (Lap-Spleen) has become the standard surgical approach for normal-sized spleens, open splenectomy (Open-Spleen) is still recommended by many in the setting of splenomegaly. We set out to compare the impact of spleen size on Lap-Spleen and Open-Spleen outcomes using a national database.

STUDY DESIGN

We reviewed the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify patients who had undergone non-emergency splenectomy during 2005-2010. To evaluate the impact of spleen size on outcomes, we considered patients with diagnoses of splenomegaly and hypersplenism as those having large spleens (Large-Sp group) and those with diagnoses of primary thrombocytopenia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura as having normal spleens (Normal-Sp group). Patients were also categorized based on surgical approach into Lap-Spleen and Open-Spleen groups.

RESULTS

We identified 639 patients in the Large-Sp group and 879 patients in the Normal-Sp group. During 2005-2010 laparoscopy was used in 84.2% of cases in the Normal-Sp group (annual range, 77.8%-90.8%). However, the rate of laparoscopy in the Large-Sp group remained consistently below 50% with an average of 41.8% (annual range, 20%-47%). In the Lap-Spleen group, those with Large-Sp had longer operative time and length of stay and higher blood transfusion and morbidity compared with the Normal-Sp group. However, when looking specifically at the Large-Sp group, patients with Open-Spleen had more transfusion requirements, longer length of stay, and higher morbidity, compared with those with Lap-Spleen.

CONCLUSIONS

Lap-Spleen leads to significant improvement in outcomes. These advantages were believed to be limited to normal-sized spleens, but this study demonstrates that laparoscopy can still be advantageous in patients with splenomegaly. We hope such data encourages wider utilization of laparoscopy in the setting of splenomegaly, especially among surgeons who are experienced with the technique.