Laparoscopic Versus Open Splenectomy in the Management of Benign and Malign Hematologic Diseases: A Ten-Year Single-Center Experience

Objective: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has gained wide acceptance as a safe, effective alternative to open splenectomy (OS) in the treatment of hematologic disorders. The aim of this study was to compare two cohorts of patients with similar characteristics, who underwent LS and OS in a single university teaching center. Methods: Records were reviewed from 30 patients who underwent LS for a hematologic disease and compared with a control group of 38 patients undergoing OS for hematologic disease. Demographics and outcomes were recorded. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to accessory spleens, blood loss, or complication rates (P > 0.05). The operation time in the LS group was significantly longer than in the OS group (P < 0.01) and the length of hospital stay in the LS group was significantly shorter than in the OS group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Laparoscopic splenectomy is likely becoming the gold standard in the surgical treatment of hematologic diseases.