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Conversion factors for laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Brody, FJ; Chekan, EG; Pappas, TN; Eubanks, WS
Published in: Surg Endosc
August 1999

BACKGROUND: Since 1994, 27 patients at our institution have undergone laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Laparoscopic splenectomy was completed in 22 of these patients. We sought to identify factors that precluded successful laparoscopic splenectomy in the remaining 5 patients. METHODS: Retrospective review of 27 patients with ITP undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy was performed at Duke University Medical Center from August, 1994 to September, 1997. RESULTS: Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed in 16 women and 11 men with a mean age of 47.2 years. Five (18%) of these procedures were converted to open splenectomy. There was no significant difference in age, ASA score, gender, weight, height, or splenic size between the converted and laparoscopic groups. However, preoperative and postoperative platelet counts were significantly higher in the laparoscopic group than in the converted group (p < 0.001). Operative times also were significantly longer for the laparoscopic group than for the converted group (p < 0.001). Adherent adjacent structures, associated comorbidities, and technical errors prohibited laparoscopic completion in five patients. Technical errors with subsequent bleeding required conversion in two patients. A thickened greater omentum blanketing the splenic capsule and a densely adherent pancreatic tail extending well into the splenic hilum prevented laparoscopic completion in two patients. Increased peak airway pressures greater than 60 mmHg after pneumoperitoneum necessitated conversion in the remaining patient, who had a previous history of pulmonary insufficiency. Regardless of surgical approach, all patients achieved a therapeutic response after splenectomy. Splenectomies completed laparoscopically resulted in a significantly shorter length of hospital stay (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Densely adherent adjacent structures, technical errors, and cardiopulmonary instability may preclude successful completion of laparoscopic splenectomies. Thorough preoperative evaluation with an emphasis on the cardiopulmonary system may elicit a cohort of individuals with ITP who are unlikely to undergo laparoscopic splenectomy successfully. This cohort also may include individuals with preoperative platelet counts less than 35,000 mm(-3).

Duke Scholars

Published In

Surg Endosc

DOI

ISSN

0930-2794

Publication Date

August 1999

Volume

13

Issue

8

Start / End Page

789 / 791

Location

Germany

Related Subject Headings

  • Surgery
  • Splenectomy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Laparoscopy
  • Intraoperative Complications
  • Humans
  • Female
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Brody, F. J., Chekan, E. G., Pappas, T. N., & Eubanks, W. S. (1999). Conversion factors for laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Surg Endosc, 13(8), 789–791. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649901100
Brody, F. J., E. G. Chekan, T. N. Pappas, and W. S. Eubanks. “Conversion factors for laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura.Surg Endosc 13, no. 8 (August 1999): 789–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649901100.
Brody FJ, Chekan EG, Pappas TN, Eubanks WS. Conversion factors for laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Surg Endosc. 1999 Aug;13(8):789–91.
Brody, F. J., et al. “Conversion factors for laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura.Surg Endosc, vol. 13, no. 8, Aug. 1999, pp. 789–91. Pubmed, doi:10.1007/s004649901100.
Brody FJ, Chekan EG, Pappas TN, Eubanks WS. Conversion factors for laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Surg Endosc. 1999 Aug;13(8):789–791.
Journal cover image

Published In

Surg Endosc

DOI

ISSN

0930-2794

Publication Date

August 1999

Volume

13

Issue

8

Start / End Page

789 / 791

Location

Germany

Related Subject Headings

  • Surgery
  • Splenectomy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Laparoscopy
  • Intraoperative Complications
  • Humans
  • Female