Predictors for morbidity and mortality following non-traumatic splenectomy at the University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the pre-operative predictors of morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing elective splenectomy for non-trauma indications.


METHODS
Analysis of 123 patients who underwent splenectomy at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between 1986-1996. Data collected included patients' demographic data, indication for splenectomy, laboratory data, details of operative procedure and postoperative events for morbidity and mortality. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Chi-square test.


RESULTS
Of the patients, 69% were males and 31% females with ages ranging from 13-72 years (mean 39 years). Portal hypertension constituted 55% of the indications and benign hematological conditions 26%. The morbidity rate was 27.6% and the commonest complication was chest and wound infection in 6.6% and 5.7%, respectively. Age of >50 years, pre- and postoperative haematocrit of <33%, thoraco-abdominal approach and operative time of >120 min had P values of < 0.05, <0.002, <0.03 and <0.03, respectively for postsplenectomy mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
According to this study, age of >50 years is a significant predictor for morbidity following splenectomy, whereas age >50 years, pre- and postoperative haematocrit of <33%, thoraco-abdominal approach and operative duration >120 min were significant predictors of postsplenectomy mortality.
Al Harbi
M
M
Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity / Q000639:trends; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000401:mortality*; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery*; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome