Our Summary

This research paper focuses on a study about a surgical procedure called laparoscopic splenectomy - a less invasive way to remove the spleen - on children suffering from blood diseases. The study used a tool called Ligasure for the operation and wanted to see how safe and effective it was and what kind of complication rates it had.

The study was done on 18 children at Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Hospital for Children between January 2017 to February 2019. These children had various blood diseases and the study collected information about their age, gender, any complications, and results from the surgery.

The results showed that the average time for surgery was 107 minutes, no one needed to switch to the more invasive version of the surgery, there were no deaths, and there was very little blood loss during the operation.

The study concluded that this kind of surgery, using Ligasure, is safe and has excellent results. It leads to shorter operation times, less complications, and less bleeding during the operation.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic splenectomy and what tool was used in the study?
  2. How many children were involved in the study and what was the average time for the surgery?
  3. What were the results and conclusions of the study on laparoscopic splenectomy using Ligasure?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient undergoing a splenectomy to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities, and watching for signs of infection such as fever, redness, or swelling at the surgical site. It is also important to stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet to support healing and maintain overall health. Regular follow-up appointments with the doctor will be necessary to monitor recovery and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for splenectomy include those with:

  1. Hematologic disorders such as hereditary spherocytosis, thalassemia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and sickle cell disease.
  2. Autoimmune disorders such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia and autoimmune thrombocytopenia.
  3. Lymphoproliferative disorders such as lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease.
  4. Trauma to the spleen causing severe bleeding that cannot be controlled through other means.
  5. Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) causing pain, discomfort, or complications such as hypersplenism.
  6. Splenic abscess or cysts that are causing symptoms or complications.
  7. Certain types of cancers such as pancreatic cancer or metastatic cancer that has spread to the spleen.

It is important to note that splenectomy is a serious surgical procedure and is usually considered as a last resort when other treatment options have been exhausted or are not effective. The decision to undergo splenectomy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can assess the risks and benefits based on the individual patient’s condition and medical history.

Timeline

Timeline before splenectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a blood disease that requires splenectomy as a treatment option
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests to evaluate their overall health and suitability for surgery
  • Patient receives counseling and education about the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes
  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic splenectomy surgery using Ligasure as the surgical tool

Timeline after splenectomy:

  • Patient is closely monitored in the post-operative period for any complications or adverse reactions
  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue following the surgery
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and recovery
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and instructed on post-operative care, including pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and assess the effectiveness of the surgery in treating their blood disease.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about splenectomy:

  1. What are the reasons for recommending a splenectomy in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a splenectomy?
  3. How long is the recovery period after a splenectomy?
  4. Will I need any special vaccines or medications after the surgery to protect against infections?
  5. What are the long-term effects of living without a spleen?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments to a splenectomy that I should consider?
  7. How experienced are you in performing splenectomies, particularly using laparoscopic techniques?
  8. What kind of follow-up care will I need after the surgery?
  9. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications after the surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with more information about the specific tools and techniques you will use during the surgery, such as Ligasure?

Reference

Authors: Al-Meflh W, Karadshah S, Khasawneh G, Qurah AA, Abddullah B, Al Raymoony A, Al Saidah N, Gayet A. Journal: Med Arch. 2020 Apr;74(2):131-133. doi: 10.5455/medarh.2020.74.131-133. PMID: 32577055