A Comparative Study on the Advantages of Using a Stapling Device in a Splenectomy for Patients with Traumatic Splenic Injury

Abstract

Purpose: Surgery is prioritized for a splenic injury when the patient is hemodynamically unstable or the injury is severe and there is an increased risk of bleeding. This study aimed to examine the outcomes of splenectomies where a surgical stapling device was used to reduce operation time and rapidly control bleeding. Methods: This retrospective study included 53 patients who underwent a splenectomy for traumatic splenic injury at Chosun University Hospital between 2012 and 2017. Clinical outcomes including operation time (duration), blood transfusion amount (number of units), length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, and mortality rate were compared between patients who received conventional ligation [conventional group (CG)] and patients who received a splenectomy where a surgical stapling device was used [stapling group (SG)]. Results: The SG showed an average operation time of 17 minutes less than the CG, although the reduction was not statistically significant. No significant differences in estimated blood loss and blood transfusion amount were determined between the 2 groups, although the SG received 1 more unit of red blood cells for transfusion in the 48-hour post-operative period compared with the CG. One case of pancreatic fistula as a postoperative complication was reported in the SG. Conclusion: The use of a surgical stapling device in a splenectomy may be considered for a hemodynamically unstable patient with splenic injury which caused severe anatomical damage.