The pattern of indications and complications of splenectomy in Eastern Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: The indications for splenectomy have changed over the past decade. Trauma and hematological diseases are emerging as common indications since the early eighties of the last century. This study looks at the pattern of indications and complications of splenectomy at Dammam Central Hospital, Dammam, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients who underwent splenectomy at Dammam Central Hospital over the 5-year period (1996-2000).

RESULTS: There were 55 patients (47 males and 8 females) who underwent splenectomy over the study period. The mean age was 57.5 (range 4-65) years. The most common indication was trauma (43.6%) followed by hematological reasons (25.5%), which were mainly in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients (N=9). Splenic sequestration crises were the most common indication in SCD patients (77.7%). The mean weight of the excised spleen was 882.7 (range 85-1350) grams. There were 16 (29%) postoperative complications mostly encountered in patients with portal hypertension (46.2%). There were 2 deaths (3.6%) as a result of pulmonary embolism in a trauma patient and multi-organ failure in SCD. There was no reported postsplenectomy sepsis after a follow-up period of 18-72 months.

CONCLUSION: The most common indication for splenectomy in Dammam is abdominal trauma, followed by hematological diseases. Splenectomy in adult SCD population is uncommon. Conventional splenectomy has 29% complication rate especially in patients with portal hypertension. This calls for rapid introduction of minimally invasive approach to reduce the morbidity associated with open splenectomy.