RESUMO
Objectives: In Oman, the most frequent indication for a splenectomy in children is sickle cell disease [SCD], which is one of the most common haematological disorders in the Gulf region. This study aimed to describe paediatric laparoscopic splenectomies alone for SCD at a tertiary hospital in Oman
Methods: This study was conducted between February 2010 and October 2015 at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. The medical records of all children aged
Results: A total of 71 children underwent laparoscopic splenectomies during the study period; of these, 50 children [28 male and 22 female] underwent laparoscopic splenectomies alone for SCD. The children's weight ranged between 11-43 kg. The most common indication for a splenectomy was a recurrent splenic sequestration crisis [92%]. Surgically removed spleens weighed between 155-1,200 g and measured between 9-22 cm. Operative times ranged between 66-204 minutes and intraoperative blood loss ranged between 10-800 mL. One patient required conversion to an open splenectomy. Postoperative complications were noted in only four patients. The median hospital stay duration was three days
Conclusion: Among this cohort, the mean operating time was comparable to that reported in the international literature. In addition, rates of conversion and postoperative complications were very low. These findings indicate that a laparoscopic splenectomy alone in paediatric patients with SCD is a feasible option
RESUMO
The length of hospital stay [HS] for patients is a major concern due to its social, economic and administrative implications; this is particularly important for neonates admitted to intensive care units [ICUs]. This study aimed to determine the factors responsible for prolonged HS in surgical neonates. This retrospective study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, in Muscat, Oman. The medical records of 95 neonates admitted to the neonatal ICU who underwent general surgical procedures between July 2009 and June 2013 were reviewed. Mann-Whitney U and Pearson's Chi-squared tests were used for non-parametric numerical and categorical variables, respectively. A multiple regression analysis was performed to find a relationship between the variables and to detect the most important factor responsible for prolonged HS. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Gestational age, birth weight, number of days on a ventilator and postoperative morbidity were associated with prolonged HS. Furthermore, the age of neonates at first full enteral feed was associated with increased HS using both independent and multiple regression analyses. Prolonged HS can occur as a result of many factors. In this study, a number of factors were identified, including low gestational age, low birth weight, increased number of days on a ventilator and postoperative morbidity. Additionally, neonate age at first full enteral feeds also correlated with increased HS. Further research on this topic is suggested to explore this correlation in more detail and to inform future practices