Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy has become the standard of care for benign hematological disease affecting the spleen; its role in massive splenomegaly remains controversial. In this study, we evaluated the outcome of laparoscopic splenectomies in terms of spleen size in a group of 83 patients of benign hematological diseases.
Methods: From July 2003 to December 2009, 83 patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for various benign hematological diseases. The data were recorded and analyzed in a retrospective manner. The patients were divided in to two groups according to the spleen weight; group I < 2,000 g (n = 54) and group II > 2,000 g (n = 29). Age, sex, hematological condition, operative time, estimated blood loss, conversion to open surgery, splenic weight, length of hospital stay, time to liquid diet, and morbidity were all recorded.
Results: Laparoscopic splenectomy was completed in 79 patients (95.2 %). Operative time (p = 0.01) and estimated blood loss (p = 0.001) was more in group II. The length of hospital stay (p = 0.05) and the postoperative morbidity (p = 0.001) also were significantly more in the second group. There was no mortality.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic splenectomy is possible and safe for massive splenomegaly in hematological disease (>2,000 g), but it needs longer operative time and hospital stay.