Single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy: a Meta-analysis

Objective To explore security and efficacy of single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy (SILS). Methods All the studies comparing SILS and laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) for splenic resection were searched on the available databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Science Citation Index, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database and China Biomedical Database. The data were analyzed using the Review Manager Software version 5.0. Results After the literature search, nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, which involved 259 patients: 109 in the SILS group and 150 in the LS group. The operative time in the SILS group was not significantly longer than the LS group (RR, -4.66; 95% CI, -53.02 to 43.70; P>0.05). The estimated intraoperative blood loss in the SILS group was not significantly more than the LS group (RR, -14.94; 95% CI, -64.93 to 35.06; P>0.05). The time of oral intake in the SILS group was the same as in the LS group (RR, -0.13; 95% CI, -0.8 to 0.54; P>0.05). The time of postoperative hospital stay in the SILS group was the same as in the LS group (RR, -0.83; 95% CI, -1.98 to 0.31; P>0.05). Conclusions This meta-analysis demonstrated that SILS was as safe, effective, and minimally invasive as LS. The current evidence suggested that it could be used routinely in splenic resection. Key words: Laparoscopic; Splenectomy; Single incision laparoscopy; Meta-analysis