Outpatient laparoscopic splenectomy: patient safety and satisfaction.

BACKGROUND

We assessed the feasibility of outpatient laparoscopic splenectomy, as performed by an experienced laparoscopic term and combined with optimal anesthesia.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria in the study was limited to patients not hospitalized before the procedure who had hematological or neoplastic indications for splenectomy and were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-III. They received general intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil and were given keterolac, propacetamol, droperidol, and ondansetron as prophylaxis against postoperative pain and nausea. Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed via three trocars. The specimen was removed via an incision in the left iliac fossa.

RESULTS

Ten of the 12 patients were discharged 3-6 h postoperatively; the other two were admitted primarily to hospital. One was readmitted due to a fever, which was finally explained by measles. The median operative times was 58 min (range, 45-135). Patient satisfaction was excellent in nine and intermediate in two cases; it was poor in one case, due to postoperative pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic splenectomy can be completed in a relatively short time; therefore, it is feasible, safe, and satisfactory for most patients as an outpatient procedure.