Background: One of the most frequent injuries from forceful abdominal trauma is splenic damage. Although laparoscopic splenectomy has significant benefits over open surgery, doctors are still reluctant to adopt this technique. This study evaluated the application of laparoscopic splenectomy in cases of isolated splenic injuries following blunt abdominal trauma and compared the results for patients who underwent open splenectomy.
Methods: Thirty trauma patients with isolated traumatic splenic injuries (grade II or III) criteria were included in the study. laparoscopic splenectomy was done for 30 patients and compared with another 30 patients who underwent open splenectomy. The operating time, intraoperative blood loss, transfusions, length of hospital stay, and complications were reported and compared between both groups.
Results: For laparoscopic splenectomy and open splenectomy, the mean age was 35.2± 4.6 and 32.4± 6.1 years, respectively. Thirty-five out of sixty patients were men.. The majority of splenectomies were carried out following non-operative management failure. In contrast to their much quicker bowel movements and return to normal activities, laparoscopic splenectomy patients experienced significantly longer surgical waiting periods and longer operative time. Mortality, length of stay in critical care or hospital, and complications were comparable.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic splenectomy for isolated splenic injuries in cases with blunt trauma appears beneficial compared to open splenectomy, especially in patients with a low injury grade.