Simultaneous Laparoscopic Splenectomy and Cholecystectomy for Children with Hereditary Spherocytosis and Gallstones

Introduction. Though, in developed countries, laparoscopy is now a gold standard for splenectomy, we are lacking in this aspect in the eastern world. Splenectomy has mostly been performed by open surgery in our region. This is our effort to introduce laparoscopic splenectomy in our country.Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study done in patients presenting to hematology and surgery department of our hospital who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for hematological diseases from January 2013 to December 2016.Results. There were 50 patients (38 females, 12 males). The diagnoses were idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in 31, (steroid/azathioprine-resistant, steroid dependent), hereditary spherocytosis in 9, alpha-thalassemia in 3, beta-thalassemia in 2, autoimmune hemolytic anemia in 4, and isolated splenic tuberculosis in 1. Average platelet counts preoperatively were62000±11000/mm3 (range 52000-325000/mm3). The mean operative time was130±49minutes (range 108-224 min). The mean postoperative stay was4±2.11days (range 3-9 days). Laparoscopic splenectomy could be completed in 45 (90%) patients.Conclusion. Laparoscopic splenectomy could be successfully contemplated in patients with hematological diseases, especially if spleen is normal or only mildly enlarged, and is an advantageous alternative to open splenectomy. Absence of ideal resources has not limited our progress in minimal access approach.

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Laparoscopic splenectomy: how minimal can we make it?

Journal of Pediatric Endoscopic Surgery ◽

10.1007/s42804-021-00125-6 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Adetokunbo Fadipe ◽

David Wilkinson ◽

Robert Peters ◽

Catherine Doherty ◽

Nick Lansdale

Keyword(s):

Length Of Stay ◽

Laparoscopic Splenectomy ◽

Operative Time ◽

Hereditary Spherocytosis ◽

Surgical Trauma ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Median Length ◽

Post Operative Pain ◽

Age At Surgery ◽

Splenic Size

Abstract Aims Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is routinely performed in children, however, a large spleen in a small child can pose significant operative challenges. We instigated a highly standardised surgical and anaesthetic approach to LS to minimise surgical trauma and enhance recovery. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of this programme. Methods Prospective study of all LS’s performed 2018–2021. Surgical approach was via one 10 mm and three 5 mm ports. Early hilar control was accomplished with Hem-o-loks. Splenic retrieval via the 10 mm incision used finger morcellation within an Espiner EcoSac. Anaesthesia utilised a standardised regime of agents and bupivacaine was infiltrated to the splenic bed and wound sites. Post-operative opiates were minimised. Data are presented as median [IQR]. Results Twenty consecutive children were included. Indications for LS were hereditary spherocytosis (n = 12), sickle cell disease (n = 6), beta-thalassaemia (n = 1) and splenic haemangiomatosis (n = 1). Age at surgery was 101 months [75–117] and weight 30 kg [21–37]. Splenic size was 13.4 cm [12–14.4]. Operative time was 178 min [156–185]. There were no open conversions and no significant intra or post-operative bleeding. One patient developed pancreatitis. Median post-operative pain score was 1 [1–3]. Median length of stay was 2 days [2–3]. Conclusion LS is feasible, safe and efficient in smaller children with large spleens. This standardised programme of anaesthesia and surgery based around a core team reliably results in few complications, good analgesia and short length of stay.

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