Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the subtotal splenectomy versus total splenectomy with gastroesophageal devascularization for patients of hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Methods We searched the Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2008), MEDLINE (1966 to August, 2008), EMbase (1966 to August, 2008), the China Biological Medicine Database (1978 to August, 2008), Chinese Sci-tech Periodical Full-text Database (1989 to August, 2008) and Chinese Periodical Full-text Database (1994 to August, 2008), as well as hand-searched several related journals and conference proceedings for the randomized controlled trials involving the comparison of the efficacy of the subtotal splenectomy with the total splenectomy for the patients of the hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Results Three studies involving 136 patients were identified. The results of two studies indicated that both of the subtotal splenectomy increased less the peripheral platelet count and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups [WMD= – 39.27, 95%CI (– 62.57, – 15.97)]. Two studies indicated that the serum tuftsin level was increased significantly after the subtotal splenectomy [WMD= 165.28, 95%CI (159.36, 171.21)]. One study indicated that both of the subtotal splenectomy and total splenectomy with gastroesophageal devascularization increased the peripheral white blood cell count and there was statistical difference between the two groups [WMD= – 0.93, 95%CI (– 1.52, – 0.34)]. There was no statistical difference in serum IgA level between the two groups. One study indicated the average fever time after the total splenectomy was longer than the subtotal splenectomy; there was statistical differences in 5 years survival rate between the two groups (Plt;0.05). Conclusions After the subtotal splenectomy the hypersplenism of patients suffered from hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension was corrected obviously and the blood cells were increased smoothly so that high blood viscosity was prevented and occurrence of the thrombotic diseases was decreased. And the immune system reserve functions of the patients with hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension were maintained. More randomized controlled trials, with large sample sizes, may lead to more accurate results.
ObjectiveTo summarize the recent development of surgical treatment for portal hypertension with hypersplenism. MethodsThe related literatures on various operation treatment of hypertension with hypersplenism at home and abroad in recent years were collected and reviewed. ResultsThere are many operation treatment methods of hypertension with hypersplenism, includes the pericardial devascularization, subtotal splenectomy, partial splenic embolization, spleen radiofrequency ablation, splenic artery ligation, distal splenorenal shunt, and so on. The different operation methods each has its advantages and disadvantages, but there are a certain percentage of the incidence of complications. At the same time, due to the limited understanding of the function of the spleen in portal hypertension, the treatment of "resecting" or "reserving" spleen has always been the hot spot of the academic dispute. ConclusionFor what kind of operation method is the most suitable for the treatment of hypertension with hypersplenism is no fixed conclusion.