Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Postoperative Complications Following Splenectomy among Yemeni Patients with Hematological Diseases: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and types of postoperative complications, identify associated risk factors, and assess their impact on patient outcomes in Yemeni patients undergoing splenectomy for hematological diseases. Patients and methods: This prospective observational cohort study was conducted at Kuwait University Hospital in Sana’a, Yemen, from 2022 to 2024. The study included 53 patients of all ages with confirmed hematological diseases requiring splenectomy. Data were collected through clinical assessments, patient interviews, and medical record review. Results The mean age of the patients was 11.13 years, with a slight female predominance (54.7%). The most common diagnoses were Thalassemia Major (37.7%) and Sickle Cell Disease (24.5%). Postoperative complications occurred in 53% of patients, with pulmonary complications (26.42%) and surgical site infections (20.75%) the most common. Significant risk factors for complications included older age, specific diagnoses, and diabetes. Pulmonary complications were associated with shorter hospital stays, whereas surgical site infections were associated with longer hospital stays. The readmission and mortality rates were 20.75%, and the mortality rate was 5.66%, with overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) and surgical site infections significantly associated with higher mortality rates. Conclusions This study demonstrated a high incidence of postoperative complications following splenectomy in Yemeni patients with hematological diseases, which significantly affected patient outcomes. Comprehensive preoperative assessment, specialized care, stringent infection control measures, and vigilant postoperative monitoring are essential for improving surgical outcomes. Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to validate these findings and provide more comprehensive guidelines for managing patients.