Determination of intact splenic weight based on morcellated weight.
BACKGROUND
Comparisons of splenic size based on splenic weight are difficult after laparoscopic splenectomy, which results in a morcellated specimen. We report the results of a direct comparison between morcellated and intact splenic weights.


METHODS
Porcine spleens were harvested via a midline laparotomy, and an intact splenic weight was obtained, which served as the control. The spleen then was placed into an impermeable retrieval bag and returned to the peritoneal cavity. A separate 10-mm incision was made and the spleen mechanically morcellated with a uterine forceps. This design most faithfully recreates the morcellation process during laparoscopic splenectomy in humans. The aggregate weight of the fragments was compared with intact splenic weight.


RESULTS
Intact and morcellated weights were obtained from 58 porcine spleens. The mean intact splenic weight was 145 g, and the mean morcellated weight was 78 g. For a given morcellated weight achieved at laparoscopic splenectomy, an estimated intact weight can be determined by the following formula: intact weight (g) = morcellated weight (g) x 1.34 + 45.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of our calculations, a normal spleen weighing 150 g would have a mean morcellated weight of 78 g, and splenomegaly (intact spleen weighing 250 g or more) would be defined by a morcellated weight exceeding 153 g.
Department of General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Desk A80, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. walshm@ccf.org
R M
RM
Walsh
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Chand
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J
Brodsky
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BT
Heniford
D000818:Animals; D001769:Blood; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007813:Laparotomy; D009929:Organ Size; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013154:Spleen / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine