Are there any limits for laparoscopy in splenomegaly? Our experience.

Laparoscopic splenectomy in the case of massive or supermassive splenomegaly has been associated with higher conversion rates and morbidity. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy for massive spleens and to identify if there are limits beyond which the laparoscopic approach is not recommended in massive and supermassive spleens. This is a retrospective study of 93 consecutive laparoscopic splenectomies in adult patients performed by a single surgeon, from January 2008 to December 2017. The data collected included the patient's age, sex, ASA, spleen weight, volume and dimension, type of disease, hospital stay, surgical technique, operative time. Median splenic weight was 400 g (range 65-3800 g) and median volume was 1365 cc (range 600-3800). Median operative time was 120 min and the overall conversion rate was 5.4%. Globally, 52 patients (55.9%) had a normal-weight spleen, 25 (26.9%) had massive and 16 (17.2%) had supermassive splenomegaly. In splenomegaly group (n = 41), patient's age, percentage of malignant diagnosis, spleen weight, anteroposterior (AP), medio-lateral (ML) and craniocaudal (CC) diameter, surgical time and conversion rate were significantly higher compared to normal-weight spleen patients. None of the normal-weight spleen patients underwent open conversion, while 5 patients among 41 splenomegalic cases underwent laparotomic conversion (12.2%). Comparing massive and super-massive patients, the latter showed longer operative time and hospital length of stay, and higher conversion rate. We identified as significant cut-off limits for higher conversion risk a spleen weight ≥ 1300 g and a spleen CC diameter ≥ 22 cm. In our experience laparoscopy was the gold standard in the case of spleen weight and diameter equal to or less than 1300 g and 22 cm, but it was safe and feasible also in the case of larger spleens, taking into account the greater risk of conversion.

Patient-Perceived Quality of Life after Total Hip Arthroplasty: Elective versus Traumatological Surgery.

Purpose. The aim was to evaluate and compare patient's health-related quality of life after THA for osteoarthritis and femoral neck fracture. The postoperative outcome was retrospectively evaluated in patients who underwent THA with an intracapsular femoral neck fracture (Group A) or with an hip osteoarthritis (Group B). Methods. Length discrepancy was measured on postoperative X-rays. Study groups were compared as to age, results of WOMAC and SF-36 tests, limb length discrepancy (LLD) by independent group t-test. Correlations between LLD and results obtained atWOMAC test were performed. 117 patients were enrolled. The 2 groups were similar as to age, type of implanted stem and sex. Mean follow up was 2,4 years for group A and 2,3 years for group B. Results. WOMAC score was found higher in group A in all items examinated. Correlation tests did not indicate a statistically significant linear relationship between LLD and WOMAC score in both groups. Conclusions. Patients who received THA for arthritis have better perception of quality of life than traumatologic patients. Although LLD should always be strongly considered by the surgeons performing a THA, LLD alone can't be considered as an indicator of patient dissatisfaction or clinical bad result after a 2-year followup.