Evaluation of clopidogrel, hypercoagulability, and platelet count in dogs undergoing splenectomy for splenic masses.

Dogs that had splenectomy are predisposed to fatal thrombotic conditions, and thrombocytosis is a risk factor for post-splenectomy hypercoagulability. However, in veterinary medicine, there are no specific therapeutic approaches for managing this hypercoagulability. This study aimed to determine the preventive effect of clopidogrel on post-operative hypercoagulability during the first 2 weeks post-splenectomy in dogs with splenic masses. This study included 12 dogs that had splenectomy. Seven dogs received no treatment (group A), and five were treated with clopidogrel (group B). Clopidogrel was loaded at 10 mg/kg on day 2 and continued at 2 mg/kg until day 14. Blood samples were collected on the day of surgery and 2, 7, and 14 days after splenectomy in both groups. In group B, thromboelastography (TEG) was performed on the same days. In group A, there was significant elevation of platelet counts on days 7 (p = 0.007) and 14 (p = 0.001) compared to day 0. In group B, the platelet counts were significantly elevated on day 7 (p = 0.032) but no significant difference was found on day 14 compared to day 0. Platelet counts on day 14 were significantly higher in group A than in group B (p = 0.03). The lower platelet counts were correlated with alterations in TEG parameters, and no significant differences were found in the K and α-angle values at all postoperative assessment points compared to day 0. Our study suggests that clopidogrel may reduce post-operative thrombocytosis and hypercoagulability in dogs that undergo splenectomy for splenic masses.

Effect of Splenectomy on Coagulation and Platelet Function in Adult Liver Transplant Recipients Assessed With Rotational Thromboelastometry and Standard Coagulation Tests.

OBJECTIVES: Splenectomy during liver transplant can affect platelet function. In this study, our primary aim was to assess the perioperative platelet function by rotational thromboelastometry and the effects of splenectomy on platelet function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 40 consecutive liver transplant recipients with end-stage liver disease (50% as a result of hepatitis C). Patients with splenectomy were compared with patients without splenectomy (n = 20/group). Three platelet function parameters by rotational thromboelastometry were studied: platelet activation with arachidonic acid, platelet activation with adenosine diphosphate, and platelet activation with thrombin receptor-activating peptide 6. Patients were monitored perioperatively and until postoperative day 21. Heparin was infused for 2 days postoperatively (60-180 U/kg/day), followed by administration of subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin (40 mg/24 h) on postoperative days 2 and 3 and oral acetylsalicylic acid when platelet count was >50 × 103/µL. RESULTS: Liver disease contributed to low perioperative platelet count and function. Patients showed significant improvement by postoperative day 14 and day 21, particularly after splenectomy. Platelet count was significantly correlated with the 3 platelet function parameters by rotational thromboelastometry (P < .001). Acetyl salicylic acid was required earlier (postoperative day 3) for patients with splenectomy (8/20) but only affected the platelet function represented by platelet activation with arachidonic acid, whereas other platelet activation pathways were less affected. Patients received no transfusions of platelet units. CONCLUSIONS: End-stage liver disease significantly contributed to low platelet function and counts before transplant. Two weeks were required for recovery of patients posttransplant, with further enhancement by splenectomy. Some recipients showed recovery that exceeded the normal reference range, which warranted monitoring. Acetyl salicylic acid only affected 1 platelet activation receptor.

Case report: Fatal overwhelming post-splenectomy infection in a patient with metastatic angiosarcoma treated with immunotherapy.

A patient in his 40s with splenic angiosarcoma metastatic to the liver underwent splenectomy, chemotherapy, and partial hepatectomy before being treated on a clinical trial with CTLA4 and PD1 inhibitors. He had received pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines post-splenectomy. On week 10, he developed grade 3 immune-related colitis, successfully treated with the anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor infliximab and steroids. After 4 cycles of treatment, scans showed partial response. He resumed anti-PD1 therapy, and 6 hours after the second dose of anti-PD1 he presented to the emergency room with hematemesis, hematochezia, hypotension, fever, and oxygen desaturation. Laboratory tests demonstrated acute renal failure and septicemia (Streptococcus pneumoniae). He died 12 hours after the anti-PD1 infusion from overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI). Autopsy demonstrated non-viable liver tumors among other findings. In conclusion, patients undergoing immunotherapy and with prior history of asplenia should be monitored closely for OPSI as they may be at increased risk.

Thrombosis Tendency After Splenectomy in a Danish Family With Hemoglobin Volga, and a Literature Review.

Hemoglobin (Hb) Volga is a rare, unstable ß-chain hemoglobin variant (ß27 Ala→Asp), causing chronic hemolytic anemia. This study presents two members of a Danish family, splenectomized due to Hb Volga at and with multiple thrombotic events. The proband was diagnosed with Hb Volga 9 years old and splenectomy was performed as a part of treatment. Throughout his life, he experienced multiple superficial thrombophlebitis, two episodes of distal deep venous thrombosis (DVT) on lower extremities (age 32 and 33) and a transient ischemic attack (TIA) presented as amaurosis fugax (age 51). Thrombophilia investigation was normal. The proband's son was diagnosed with Hb Volga and underwent splenectomy at the age of 6. Despite anticoagulation therapy, he suffered from multiple venous thromboembolic events in his youth and died of chronic pulmonary embolism (PE)/pulmonary hypertension combined with infection. Given the observed propensity for multiple thromboses in these two patients, a literature review was conducted investigating reported occurrence of thrombotic events in individuals with Hb Volga.Currently 25 cases of Hb Volga are reported worldwide. The clinical symptoms primarily described are related to hemolytic anemia. Splenectomy is reported in 15 patients. Thromboses have previously been reported in only three patients who were also splenectomized. These cases involved DVT and PE, myocardial infarction, and an unspecified thrombotic event. The proband represents the first reported Hb Volga case with both venous and arterial thrombotic disorders. The exact mechanism underlying thrombotic tendency in patients with Hb Volga remains unknown, but it is probably associated with splenectomy.

Splenectomy versus splenic preservation in total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing survival benefits and short-term complications.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing debate regarding the comparative merits of splenectomy (SP) and splenic preservation in the surgical management of gastric cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to shed light on potential differences in survival outcomes and postoperative complications associated with these two procedures. METHOD: An exhaustive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, namely PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. We utilized a random-effects model via RevMan 5.4 software to conduct a meta-analysis of the hazard ratios (HRs) and risk ratios (RRs) associated with SP and spleen preservation. Subgroup analyses were based on various attributes of the included studies. We employed funnel plots to assess publication bias, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to gauge the stability of the combined results. Both funnel plots and sensitivity analysis were performed using Stata 12. RESULT: Our research incorporated 23 observational studies and three randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 6,255 patients. SP did not yield superior survival outcomes in comparison to splenic preservation, a conclusion that aligns with the combined results of the randomized controlled trials. No statistically significant difference in survival prognosis was observed between SP and splenic preservation, irrespective of whether the patients had proximal gastric cancer or proximal gastric cancer invading the stomach's greater curvature. SP exhibited a higher incidence of all postoperative complications, notably pancreatic fistula and intraabdominal abscesses. However, it did not significantly differ from splenic preservation in terms of anastomotic leakage, incision infection, intestinal obstruction, intra-abdominal bleeding, and pulmonary infection. No significant difference in postoperative mortality between SP and splenic preservation was found. Funnel plots suggested no notable publication bias, and sensitivity analysis affirmed the stability of the combined outcomes. CONCLUSION: Despite the lack of significant differences in certain individual complications and postoperative mortality, the broader pattern of our data suggests that SP is associated with a greater overall frequency of postoperative complications, without providing additional survival benefits compared to splenic preservation. Thus, the routine implementation of SP is not advocated.

When doctors perform surgery for gastric (stomach) cancer, they sometimes remove the spleen, a procedure known as splenectomy (SP). However, there's a debate on whether removing the spleen is better than preserving it. Our study aimed to compare these two methods in terms of patient survival and the risk of complications after surgery. To do this, we looked at data from 26 studies involving 6,255 patients. Our analysis was thorough, using advanced statistical methods to ensure accuracy. Here's what we found: patients who had their spleen removed did not live longer than those who kept their spleen. Whether the cancer was just in the upper part of the stomach or had spread to the nearby large curve of the stomach, the survival rates were similar for both groups. Patients who underwent SP faced more postoperative complications, especially issues like pancreatic fistula and intra-abdominal abscesses. However, for some complications like leakage from the surgical joint, infection of the wound, bowel obstruction, internal bleeding, and lung infections, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The chances of dying post-surgery were similar whether patients had their spleen removed or not. Our findings suggest that routinely removing the spleen during gastric cancer surgery does not improve survival rates and is linked to more postoperative complications. Therefore, it may be better to avoid removing the spleen unless absolutely necessary.

Prevention and treatment of infection in patients with an absent or hypofunctional spleen: A British Society for Haematology guideline.

Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of infection in patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen were published by the British Committee for Standards in Haematology in 1996 and updated in 2002 and 2011. With advances in vaccinations and changes in patterns of infection, the guidelines required updating. Key aspects included in this guideline are the identification of patients at risk of infection, patient education and information and immunisation schedules. This guideline does not address the non-infective complications of splenectomy or functional hyposplenism (FH). This replaces previous guidelines and significantly revises the recommendations related to immunisation. Patients at risk include those who have undergone surgical removal of the spleen, including partial splenectomy and splenic embolisation, and those with medical conditions that predispose to FH. Immunisations should include those against Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) and influenza. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is part of the infant immunisation schedule and is no longer required for older hyposplenic patients. Treatment of suspected or proven infections should be based on local protocols and consider relevant anti-microbial resistance patterns. The education of patients and their medical practitioners is essential, particularly in relation to the risk of serious infection and its prevention. Further research is required to establish the effectiveness of vaccinations in hyposplenic patients; infective episodes should be regularly audited. There is no single group ideally placed to conduct audits into complications arising from hyposplenism, highlighting a need for a national registry, as has proved very successful in Australia or alternatively, the establishment of appropriate multidisciplinary networks.

Prognosis of LSPD versus TIPS for the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare postoperative complications in patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB) who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy combined with pericardial devascularization (LSPD) versus transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures. METHODS: A retrospective collection of medical records was conducted from January 2014 to May 2020 at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The study included patients from the departments of trauma surgery, interventional radiology, and general surgery who were diagnosed with EVB caused by portal hypertension and treated with LSPD or TIPS. Follow-up data were obtained to assess the occurrence of postoperative complications in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients were included in the study, with 104 cases in the LSPD group and 97 cases in the TIPS group. There was no significant difference in the 1-year and 3-year post-surgery survival rates between the TIPS and LSPD groups (P = 0.669, 0.066). The 3-year survival rate of Child-Pugh B patients in the LSPD group was higher than TIPS group (P = 0.041). The LSPD group also had a significantly higher rate of freedom from rebleeding at 3-year post-surgery compared to the TIPS group (P = 0.038). Stratified analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the rebleeding rate between the two groups. Furthermore, the LSPD group had a higher rate of freedom from overt hepatic encephalopathy at 1-year and 3-year post-surgery compared to the TIPS group (P = 0.007, < 0.001). The LSPD group also had a lower rate of severe complications at 3-year post-surgery compared to the TIPS group (P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Compared to TIPS, LSPD does not increase the risk of mortality and rebleeding, while demonstrating fewer complications. In patients classified as Child-Pugh A and B, the use of LSPD for treating EVB is both safe and effective.

Minimally invasive splenectomy is associated with a low perioperative complication rate and short operative time in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To report the perioperative outcome and complications in cats undergoing minimally invasive splenectomy. ANIMALS: 17 client-owned cats. METHODS: Perioperative data were collected from cats undergoing minimally invasive splenectomy from September 2010 to June 2023. Data included history, signalment, preoperative examination and diagnostic testing results, operative technique and time, perioperative outcomes, complications, hospitalization duration, histopathological diagnosis, and outcome. RESULTS: 13 spayed females and 4 neutered males were included, with a median age of 144 months (48 to 196 months). Seven cats underwent total laparoscopic splenectomy (TLS), with 1 cat requiring conversion from TLS to laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy (LAS) due to splenomegaly and an additional cat requiring conversion from TLS to open splenectomy due to uncontrollable splenic capsular hemorrhage. Ten cats underwent LAS, with 1 cat requiring conversion to open splenectomy due to splenomegaly. Additional procedures were performed in 13 cats, with the most common being liver biopsy in 10 cats. Median operative times were 50 minutes (45 to 90 minutes) for TLS and 35 minutes (25 to 80 minutes) for LAS. An intraoperative complication occurred in 1 cat. All but 1 cat survived to discharge. Median follow-up time was 234 days (18 to 1,761 days), with 15 of 16 cats confirmed alive at 30 days and 9 of 16 cats alive at 180 days postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Minimally invasive splenectomy in this cohort of cats was associated with short operative times and a low perioperative complication rate. Veterinary surgeons may consider minimally invasive splenectomy as an efficient and feasible technique in the treatment of splenomegaly or modestly sized splenic masses for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in cats.

Risk of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after splenectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the clinical study was to evaluate the risk of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after splenectomy and to analyze some biochemical and coagulation parameters. BACKGROUND: CTEPH caused by incomplete resolution of thromboemboli and irreversible remodeling of the pulmonary arteries is a progressive, and without treatment a fatal disease. Although the definite etiopathophysiology is not quite perfectly researched, numerous clinical conditions associated with CTEPH as history of pulmonary embolism, infected ventriculoatrial shunts or permanent intravascular devices, high-dose thyroid hormone replacement, malignancy and chronic inflammatory diseases, including osteomyelitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, are well accepted. These factors also include splenectomy. METHODS: We performed a prospective follow-up of patients after splenectomy in the period of 5 years (2017-2022). The study population consisted of 62 adult post-splenectomy patients, who were divided into 3 groups based on the cause of the splenectomy - trauma, haematologic diseases, and others. The study population was analyzed in terms of gender, age, cause of splenectomy, blood group, clinical risk factors and thrombophilic conditions. Some basic haemocoagulation parameters and selected coagulation and biochemical parameters were analyzed. All patients underwent screening echocardiography, symptomatic patients repeatedly. In the presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) unexplained by other diseases, patients underwent ventilation/perfusion lung scan performed to confirm/exclude perfusion defects typical for CTEPH. If PH and perfusion defects persisted despite effective 3-month anticoagulation therapy, patients underwent right heart catheterization to confirm/exclude CTEPH. RESULTS: The study confirmed a higher incidence of CTEPH after splenectomy compared to published data, the 5-year cumulative incidence was 3.2 %. Other detected clinical risk factors did not affect the incidence of thromboembolism/CTEPH after splenectomy. In our study, the strongest factor in terms of the incidence of thromboembolism/CTEPH after splenectomy was the presence of a thrombophilia detected before the screening echocardiography. Tested haemocoagulation and biochemical parameters in small patient subgroup had no impact on the incidence of thromboembolism/CTEPH - however, the limiting factor was a small patient subgroup. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that the incidence of thromboembolism after splenectomy was consistent with the present data, but the incidence of CTEPH after splenectomy was significantly higher. This suggests that post-splenectomy condition may be an independent risk factor for CTEPH and may imply different management of these patients in the future (Tab. 5, Ref. 18).

Meta-analysis of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy: An insight into confounding by indication.

AIMS: To evaluate comparative outcomes of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (LDPS). METHODS: A systematic search of multiple electronic data sources and bibliographic reference lists were conducted. Comparative studies reporting outcomes of LSPDP and LDPS were considered followed by evaluation of the associated risk of bias according to ROBINS-I tool. Perioperative complications, clinically important postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), infectious complications, blood loss, conversion to open, operative time and duration of hospital stay were the investigated outcome parameters. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were identified enrolling 3739 patients of whom 1860 patients underwent LSPDP and the remaining 1879 patients had LDPS. The patients in the LSPDP and LDPS groups were of comparable age (p = 0.73), gender (p = 0.59), and BMI (p = 0.07). However, the patient in the LDPS group had larger tumour size (p = 0.0004) and more malignant lesions (p = 0.02). LSPDP was associated with significantly lower POPF (OR:0.65, p = 0.02), blood loss (MD:-28.30, p = 0.001), and conversion to open (OR:0.48, p < 0.0001) compared to LDPS. Moreover, it was associated with significantly shorter procedure time (MD: -22.06, p = 0.0009) and length of hospital stay (MD: -0.75, p = 0.005). However, no significant differences were identified in overall perioperative (OR:0.89, p = 0.25) or infectious (OR:0.67, p = 0.05) complications between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: LSPDP seems to be associated with lower POPF, bleeding and conversion to open compared to LDPS in patients with small-sized benign tumours. Moreover, it may be quicker and reduce hospital stay. Nevertheless, such advantages are of doubtful merit about large-sized or malignant tumours. The available evidence is subject to confounding by indication.

Moderate Splenic Injury Caused by Colonoscopy.

Little is known about iatrogenic splenic injury (SI) as an adverse event after colonoscopy. SI is sometimes fatal because of hemorrhaging. We herein report a man who developed SI after colonoscopy. He recovered conservatively. His history of left hydronephrosis and insertion with a maximally stiffened scope were suspected as possible risk factors. Endoscopists should consider the possibility of SI when they encounter patients suffering from left-sided abdominal pain after colonoscopy. Careful interview concerning the medical history and gentle maneuvering around the splenic flexure can help avoid SI.

Splenectomy outcomes in immune cytopenias: Treatment outcomes and determinants of response.

BACKGROUND: Splenectomy is commonly used to treat refractory immune-mediated cytopenia, but there are no established factors that are associated with response to the procedure. OBJECTIVES: A cohort study was conducted to evaluate the hematologic and surgical outcomes of splenectomy in adult patients with immune cytopenias and identify preoperative factors associated with response. METHODS: Data from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation for 1824 patients aged over 18 who underwent splenectomy from 2002 to 2020 were analyzed. RESULTS: The study found that the most common indications for splenectomy were immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, with a median age of 55 years and median time from diagnosis to splenectomy of 11 months. Hematologic response rates were 74% overall, with relapse in 12% of cases. Postsplenectomy discordant diagnoses were present in 13% of patients, associated with higher relapse rates. Surgery-related complications occurred in 12% of cases, whereas only 3% of patients died from disease complications. On univariate analysis, preoperative factors associated with splenectomy treatment failure were ≥3 lines of pharmacologic treatment, whereas isolated thrombocytopenia, primary ITP, and age ≤40 years had a strong association with response. The multivariable regression confirmed that treatment failure with multiple lines of medical therapy was associated with the failure to respond to splenectomy. CONCLUSION: Overall, the study demonstrates that splenectomy is an effective treatment option for immune-mediated cytopenias with a low complication rate.

Extreme Reticulocytosis After Splenectomy in a Patient With Hemoglobin Mizuho.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Hb Mizuho may be splenectomized at a young age to decrease their need for blood transfusions. OBSERVATIONS: Transfusion-dependency decreased dramatically in a 4-year-old white boy with Hb Mizuho after splenectomy. Surprisingly, he developed reticulocytosis (>1000×10 9 /L) with a peak reticulocyte percentage of 49%, and erythrocyte abnormalities, including Heinz bodies, Howell-Jolly bodies, and basophilic stippling. Manual reticulocyte counting and flow cytometric measurement with anti-CD71 antibodies supported a truly elevated reticulocyte count. CONCLUSIONS: We propose possible explanations for the extreme reticulocytosis that arose postsplenectomy and compare the reticulocyte count in the present case with previously published cases.

Portal vein velocity predicts portal vein system thrombosis after splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) is a potentially fatal complication after splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization (SED) in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. However, the impact of portal vein velocity (PVV) on PVST after SED remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore this issue. METHODS: Consecutive cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who underwent SED at Tongji Hospital between January 2010 and June 2022 were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of PVST, which was assessed using ultrasound or computed tomography after the operation. PVV was measured by duplex Doppler ultrasound within one week before surgery. The independent risk factors for PVST were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A nomogram based on these variables was developed and internally validated using 1000 bootstrap resamples. RESULTS: A total of 562 cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who underwent SED were included, and PVST occurred in 185 patients (32.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PVV was the strongest independent risk factor for PVST. The incidence of PVST was significantly higher in patients with PVV ≤ 16.5 cm/s than in those with PVV > 16.5 cm/s (76.2% vs. 8.5%, p < 0.0001). The PVV-based nomogram was internally validated and showed good performance (optimism-corrected c-statistic = 0.907). Decision curve and clinical impact curve analyses indicated that the nomogram provided a high clinical benefit. CONCLUSION: A nomogram based on PVV provided an excellent preoperative prediction of PVST after splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization.

Porto-spleno-mesenteric venous thrombosis after elective splenectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Elective splenectomy is the main treatment for a wide range of haematological diseases. Porto-spleno-mesenteric venous thrombosis represents one of the most severe complications of this procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with development of porto-spleno-mesenteric venous thrombosis after elective splenectomy. Methods: All cases of elective splenectomy carried out from April 1st 2017 to January 31st 2023 were included in this single centre retrospective cohort study. Patients' demographics and perioperative data were analysed and correlated with the incidence of postoperative thrombosis. All patients underwent postoperative doppler ultrasound screening for thrombosis. Analysis was performed using SPSS 28, with p-value < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Twenty-two patients (10 women, 12 men) underwent splenectomy during the study period. Indications were: immune thrombocytopenia (n: 6), myeloproliferative disorder (n: 6), hereditary spherocytosis (n: 4), thalassemia (n: 1), lymphoma (n: 1), leukaemia (n: 1), other malignancies (n: 3). Six patients developed porto-spleno-mesenteric venous thrombosis and only 2 of them were symptomatic. Patients were treated with anticoagulation therapy with complete resolution. Analysis identified three main factors associated with thrombosis: spleen diameter (p = 0.03), myeloproliferative disorder (p = 0.02), intraoperative platelet transfusion (p = 0.002) and intraoperative red blood cells transfusion (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Standardized postoperative screening allows prompt diagnosis and treatment of porto-spleno-mesenteric venous thrombosis even in asymptomatic cases. Patient with splenomegaly and affected by myeloproliferative disorder have a greater risk to develop this complication.

Splenectomy Does Not Increase Early Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Total Gastrectomy: A Case-Control Study with Propensity Score Analysis.

AIM: In gastric cancer (GC), D2 lymph node dissection is, alongside negative-margins gastrectomy, of paramount importance. There is a debate between Western and Eastern scientific communities concerning the risk-benefit balance with respect to splenectomy, as Western countries are inclined to perform spleen-preserving gastrectomy due to an increased risk for postoperative complications. In Eastern countries (such as Japan) this is not the case. Our study aimed to determine whether or not spleen-sacrificing total gastrectomy for GC was associated with a higher rate of early postoperative morbidity or mortality. METHOD: We performed a retrospective case-control study in which we included patients who underwent total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for GC (stages I-III) with curative intent, in a single high-volume tertiary oncologic centre. We divided the cases into two groups: spleenpreserving (SP) and spleen-sacrificing (SS) and evaluated the early complications rate following surgery. Afterwards, we performed propensity score matching (PSM) and analysis of the two groups. Results: We included 74 patients, 29 in the SS group and 45 in the SP group. Fifteen cases (20.2%) developed early postoperative complications and the complication rate was 53% (n=8) in the SS group and 46% (n=7) in the SP group. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 2.7%. Conclusions: Splenectomy is not associated with increased early morbidity following total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy if performed by an experienced surgeon.

[Splenic surgery in hematological diseases : Indications and surgical technique]. / Chirurgie der Milz bei hämatologischen Erkrankungen : Indikationen und operative Technik.

BACKGROUND: Splenic surgery in hematological disorders requires a well-weighted decision on the indications because the medical treatment has rapidly changed in recent years due to new pharmaceutical approaches. OBJECTIVE: Summary of the indications, surgical procedures and perioperative management regarding operative interventions on the spleen in hematological disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Selective literature search and summary of reviews and guideline recommendations. RESULTS: In hematological disorders surgical procedures of the spleen (splenectomy and partial splenectomy) are an important part of the repertoire in the treatment. In recent years the indications for surgery have become narrower because of new forms of medicinal treatment. Especially in hereditary spherocytosis, immune thrombocytopenia and symptomatic splenomegaly and hypersplenism it is still of importance. The minimally invasive splenectomy is regarded as the gold standard. The spleen has an important immune and sequestration function, therefore preoperative and postoperative infectious and thromboembolic events have to be anticipated and prevented. A close interdisciplinary cooperation with hematologists is essential for an optimal outcome of patients. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive splenectomy and partial splenectomy are part of the surgical repertoire in the diagnostics and treatment of hematological disorders. Because of novel medicinal approaches the therapeutic protocols are continuously changing. A close cooperation with hematologists is important for the optimal evaluation of the indications and the perioperative management.

Atraumatic splenic rupture associated with COVID-19.

Atraumatic splenic rupture (ASR) is a rare but life-threatening condition. Several underlying pathologies have been associated with a splenic rupture in the absence of trauma, most often malignant-haematological disorders, viral infections or local inflammatory disorders. The management of ASR is similar to traumatic splenic rupture and includes early risk stratification of patients to determine those eligible for non-operative treatment versus those who need immediate surgical intervention. In this report, we discuss a rare case of a non-operatively managed ASR in an otherwise healthy young patient with SARS-CoV-2 as the likely aetiology. The multisystemic nature of the ongoing novel COVID-19 is evident, but not all manifestations are yet known. This case report underlines the challenge for physicians in terms of recognising and treating emergent complications of this new disease.