Published online Feb 6, 2019. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i3.320
Peer-review started: November 8, 2018
First decision: December 10, 2018
Revised: December 26, 2018
Accepted: January 3, 2019
Article in press: January 3, 2019
Published online: February 6, 2019
Processing time: 85 Days and 17.1 Hours
Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) can help overcome the drawbacks of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) while maintaining its advantages, but it has not been widely accepted.
To compare the advantages and disadvantages of HALS and LS.
This study evaluated the efficacy and advantages of HALS for splenomegaly.
The relevant literature was reviewed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, and Wanfang databases to compare the clinical outcomes of HALS and LS. Odds ratios or mean differences were calculated with 95% confidence intervals for fixed-effects and random-effects models.
In pure splenectomy, blood loss volume and conversion rate were significantly lower in the HALS group than in the LS group. Conversely, for splenomegaly, the operative time was significantly shorter and blood loss volume and conversion rate were significantly lower in the HALS group than in the LS group. However, no significant difference was observed in hospital stay length, blood transfusion, time to food intake, complications, or mortality rate between the two groups. In addition, in splenectomy and devascularization of the upper stomach (DUS), the operative time was significantly shorter and blood loss volume and conversion rate were significantly lower in the HALS + DUS group than in the LS + DUS group. However, no significant difference was observed in hospital stay length, time to food intake, or complications between the two groups.
HALS is an ideal surgical treatment for splenomegaly because it can maximize the benefits for patients while maintaining the advantages of LS.
Definite protocol or guidelines should be established using reliable studies with good design. In the future, a well-designed prospective randomized study or multicenter cohort study is mandatory to elucidate the safety and feasibility of HALS.