Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that was conducted on children who had a surgical procedure called laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) between 2005 and 2016. LS is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the spleen and is usually done on children with blood disorders. It’s a complex procedure that requires a skilled surgeon.

The study looked at various factors such as the children’s age, weight, and the reasons for the surgery. Most of them had the surgery due to conditions like thalassemia (a type of anemia) and hereditary spherocytosis (a condition that affects red blood cells).

The average time for the surgery was 80 minutes and the average hospital stay was 5 days. There were very few complications during the surgery. After surgery, the children were followed up for an average of 6.4 years and no long-term complications were found.

The study also found that after the surgery, the children’s bilirubin levels (a substance that can indicate certain diseases) significantly decreased and they required fewer blood transfusions.

In conclusion, the study found that LS is a safe and effective procedure for children with blood disorders, resulting in shorter hospital stays and fewer complications. However, it needs to be performed by experienced surgeons.

FAQs

  1. What is a laparoscopic splenectomy and why is it performed on children?
  2. What were the common reasons for children to undergo a laparoscopic splenectomy according to this study?
  3. What were the main findings of the study on children who had undergone laparoscopic splenectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about splenectomy is to be vigilant about getting vaccinated against infections, particularly those caused by encapsulated bacteria such as pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae. Since the spleen plays a key role in the immune system, its removal can increase the risk of infections from these bacteria. Therefore, it is important to stay up to date on vaccinations to protect against these potentially serious infections.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for splenectomy include those with certain blood disorders such as thalassemia, hereditary spherocytosis, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Other conditions that may warrant a splenectomy include certain types of cancer, traumatic injuries to the spleen, and certain infections such as recurrent episodes of overwhelming sepsis. It is important to note that splenectomy is considered a last resort treatment option and is usually recommended when other treatment options have been ineffective or are not suitable for the patient. Additionally, patients who undergo a splenectomy may require lifelong monitoring and vaccinations to prevent infections due to the absence of the spleen’s immune function.

Timeline

Before splenectomy:

  1. The patient is diagnosed with a blood disorder such as thalassemia or hereditary spherocytosis.
  2. The patient undergoes various tests and consultations to determine if splenectomy is necessary.
  3. The patient is scheduled for laparoscopic splenectomy surgery.
  4. Pre-operative instructions are given to the patient, such as fasting before surgery and stopping certain medications.

After splenectomy:

  1. The patient undergoes laparoscopic splenectomy surgery, which typically lasts around 80 minutes.
  2. The patient stays in the hospital for an average of 5 days post-surgery for monitoring and recovery.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and overall health.
  4. Bilirubin levels in the patient significantly decrease after surgery, leading to improved health.
  5. The patient requires fewer blood transfusions post-surgery.
  6. Long-term follow-up shows no complications in the majority of patients.
  7. Overall, the patient experiences improved health and quality of life after splenectomy, with shorter hospital stays and fewer complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with splenectomy?

  2. How will the surgery impact my child’s immune system and ability to fight infections?

  3. Will my child need any vaccinations or antibiotics after the surgery to prevent infections?

  4. How long is the recovery process after a splenectomy?

  5. Will my child need to take any medications or supplements after the surgery?

  6. How often will my child need to have follow-up appointments after the surgery?

  7. Are there any long-term effects or complications that my child may experience after a splenectomy?

  8. How will the surgery impact my child’s blood counts and need for blood transfusions?

  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions my child will need to follow after a splenectomy?

  10. How experienced is the surgical team in performing laparoscopic splenectomies, and what is their success rate with this procedure?

Reference

Authors: Ates U, Tastekin NY, Gollu G, Ergun E, Yagmurlu A. Journal: Arch Argent Pediatr. 2017 Dec 1;115(6):e385-e390. doi: 10.5546/aap.2017.eng.e385. PMID: 29087116