Splenectomy ameliorates hematologic toxicity of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
BACKGROUND
Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a promising modality for peritoneal carcinomatosis. Splenectomy is frequently required, however effect upon hematotoxicity is unknown.


METHODS
195 patients undergoing the procedure were evaluated and granulocyte colony stimulating factor administered for white blood cell counts <4.0.


RESULTS
52% of 195 underwent splenectomy; average white blood cell and platelet nadirs were 6.1,172. Non-splenectomy patients averaged white blood cell nadir 4.6, platelet nadir 164.1. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor administered in 29% of splenectomy, 43% of non-splenectomy (P=0.043).


CONCLUSIONS
Splenectomy ameliorates hematotoxicity of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and significantly reduces post-operative granulocyte colony stimulating factor requirements.
Surgical Oncology Service, Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.
Robert D
RD
Becher
Perry
P
Shen
John H
JH
Stewart
Greg
G
Russell
Joel F
JF
Bradley
Edward A
EA
Levine