Perioperative complications of splenectomy in hematological patients

Objective. To present the current stock of knowledge about perioperative complications of splenectomy for hematological disorders. Key issues. The use of minimally invasive technologies in hematological surgery has reduced the incidence of intra- and postoperative complications. However, both laparoscopic and open splenectomy are associated with technical difficulties in patients with blood diseases. Splenectomy is significantly complicated by severe splenomegaly, perisplenitis, portal hypertension, hemostatic disorders, severity of the hematological disease and the initial somatic condition of patients. Regardless of the selected approach, surgical (bleeding, pancreatic tail injury, pancreatic fistula, subdiaphragmatic abscess, etc.) and non-surgical (infections, portal system thrombosis) complications may develop in the perioperative period. Conclusion. Topographic and anatomical characteristics of the spleen, experience of the surgical team, as well as general condition of patients and the course of underlying disease and treatment modality play critical role in the development of perioperative complications.