Laparoscopic splenectomy for blunt trauma: a safe operation following embolization

Background Embolization of the injured spleen from blunt trauma reduces the risk of continued or delayed hemorrhage in patients being treated with nonoperative management (NOM). Splenectomy is required in some patients following embolization due to continued bleeding or infarction with abscess formation. Laparoscopic splenectomy for blunt trauma can be done safely in patients following embolization. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients undergoing splenectomy following embolization due to blunt trauma at two level I trauma centers. Minimally invasive techniques were compared to laparotomy for operative time, operative blood loss, and postoperative length of stay. Results Eleven of 46 patients required splenectomy following embolization, eight for continued bleeding and three for abscess formation. Four of these patients had their spleens removed laparoscopically, three for continued bleeding and one for abscess formation. Patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy for continued bleeding had slightly longer operative times, more blood loss but shorter postoperative stay than those undergoing laparotomy. (96 versus 76 min, 500 versus 300 cc, and 4.0 versus 7.0 days, respectively). Laparoscopic removal of the abscessed spleen took 270 min compared to 55 and 90 min for the open procedures but the postoperative hospital stay was only 6 days compared to 10 and 13 days. There were no serious complications in any patients. Conclusion Laparoscopic removal of the spleen following embolization for blunt trauma is safe and should be considered in patients that have persistent bleeding or are at risk for delayed bleeding, as well as patients in whom complications of infarction and abscess formation develop.