Analysis of learning curve of laparoscopic splenectomy / 中南大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic splenectomy and to investigate the learning curve of laparoscopic splenectomy.@*METHODS@#Forty cases of laparoscopic splenectomy (performed by W.Y. between September 2008 and August 2010) in our general surgery department were reviewed, and the cases were divided equally into 4 groups (group I, II, III, IV) according the time sequence of the operations. The operating time, blood loss, conversion to open surgery, conversion to hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative liquid diet recovery time, intra- and postoperative complications and the operative frequency were compared.@*RESULTS@#There were no statistical differences among the groups in age and gender (P>0.05). The operating time, blood loss and postoperative hospital stay of groups III and IV were significantly less than those of groups I and II (P0.05). Frequency of conversion to open surgery, of conversion to hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy, of complications among the four groups were also not statistically different (P>0.05). The operative frequency of group I-IV increased from 1.25/month to 2.5/month.@*CONCLUSION@#The learning curve of laparoscopic splenectomy for surgeon who was experienced in open splenectomy and laparoscope cholecystectomy is approximately 20 cases, and the operative frequency is about 1.33/month.