Institutional experience with laparoscopic partial splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis

Background/PurposeModerate to severe hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is treated with splenectomy. However, total splenectomy leads to decreased immunologic function with the risk of overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis. Splenic preservation is postulated as a method to avoid this potentially fatal complication. Although mainly performed through laparotomy, we report our experience with a laparoscopic approach to partial splenectomy for HS.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on 9 laparoscopic partial splenectomies performed for HS at our institution. Follow-up was from 1 to 3.5 years. Data included preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, absolute reticulocyte count, splenic size, operative time, complications, and length of stay.ResultsAll patients successfully underwent laparoscopic partial splenectomy with a radiologically determined upper-pole remnant of 10% to 30% and preservation of the blood supply through the upper short gastric arteries. The mean preoperative spleen length was 13 cm. Mean hospital stay was 3.6 days (range, 1-6 days). There was 1 intraoperative complication (a small bowel tear during spleen extraction) and 2 minor postoperative complications (ileus and wound infection). One patient underwent completion total splenectomy 2 years after partial splenectomy.ConclusionLaparoscopic partial splenectomy is a feasible and effective procedure that addresses the hematologic consequences of HS while retaining a portion of functional spleen, in addition to conferring the advantages of laparoscopy.