Our Summary

This research paper is about a study on the role of splenectomy (removal of the spleen) in patients with certain types of blood cancer, specifically those affecting the spleen. This is an unusual approach, as surgery is not typically used to treat these types of cancers.

In the study, they looked at patients with blood cancers who had their spleen removed over a six-year period. They found that, especially for patients with a specific type of cancer called splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL), removing the spleen was very beneficial.

Patients who had their spleen removed were twice as likely to see a complete response to the treatment, meaning the cancer seemed to be gone, compared to those who didn’t have the surgery. They also lived longer on average.

The patients with SMZL who had their spleen removed had a response rate that was nearly five times higher than patients with other types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They lived longer without their cancer getting worse and had a lower death rate.

The procedure was relatively safe, with about 38.5% of patients experiencing adverse reactions, most of which were minor and manageable.

In conclusion, this study suggests that removing the spleen can be a very effective and safe treatment for patients with certain types of blood cancer that affect the spleen.

FAQs

  1. What types of blood cancers are potentially responsive to splenectomy according to this study?
  2. What were the reported benefits for patients with splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) who had their spleen removed?
  3. What percentage of patients experienced adverse reactions after the splenectomy procedure, and were these reactions manageable?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient considering a splenectomy is to make sure to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This may include avoiding certain medications, fasting before surgery, and taking precautions to prevent infection after surgery. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or questions with your healthcare team throughout the process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for splenectomy include those with splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) or other types of blood cancers that specifically affect the spleen. These patients may have not responded well to other treatments or have a high likelihood of benefiting from the removal of the spleen. Additionally, patients who are experiencing symptoms such as enlarged spleen, low blood cell counts, or pain due to their spleen may also be recommended for splenectomy. It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of splenectomy with their healthcare provider to determine if it is the right treatment option for them.

Timeline

  • Before the splenectomy: Patients are typically diagnosed with a blood cancer that affects the spleen, such as splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL). They may have symptoms such as fatigue, enlarged spleen, and abnormal blood cell counts. Treatment options are discussed with their healthcare team, including the possibility of splenectomy.

  • Day of splenectomy: The patient undergoes surgery to have their spleen removed. The procedure is typically done laparoscopically, with small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon. The patient is under general anesthesia during the procedure.

  • After the splenectomy: Patients may experience pain at the incision sites, fatigue, and a risk of infection. They will need to follow up with their healthcare team for monitoring and potential adjustments to their treatment plan. Over time, they may experience improvements in their symptoms and blood cell counts.

  • Follow-up care: Patients will continue to have regular check-ups and monitoring to ensure that their cancer is in remission and that they are recovering well from the surgery. They may need to take additional precautions to prevent infections, such as receiving vaccinations for certain illnesses.

Overall, patients who undergo splenectomy for certain types of blood cancer, such as SMZL, may experience improved outcomes and a better quality of life following the procedure. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for their individual situation.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about splenectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with splenectomy?
  2. How will my recovery process look like after the surgery?
  3. Will removing my spleen affect my immune system and increase my risk of infections?
  4. Are there alternative treatments to splenectomy that I should consider?
  5. How will removing my spleen impact my long-term health and quality of life?
  6. Will I need any additional vaccinations or medications after the surgery to prevent infections?
  7. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?
  8. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or modifications after having my spleen removed?
  9. How experienced is the medical team in performing splenectomy procedures?
  10. Can you provide me with more information about the specific type of blood cancer I have and how splenectomy may benefit me in particular?

Reference

Authors: Onisâi M, Vlădăreanu AM, Nica A, Spînu A, Găman M, Bumbea H, Voican I, Iordan I, Alexandru A, Zdrenghea M, Gheorghita D, Grădinaru S. Journal: Medicina (Kaunas). 2019 Dec 27;56(1):12. doi: 10.3390/medicina56010012. PMID: 31892196