To investigate the relationship between preoperative platelet counts and surgical outcomes as well as hematological outcomes of laparoscopic splenectomy(LS) for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP).

Clinical data of 98 ITP cases who underwent LS and had intact follow-up information were analysed retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups by their preoperative platelet counts: platelet counts<50×10⁹/L (Group Ⅰ), platelet counts (50-100)×10⁹/L (Group Ⅱ), and platelet counts >100×10⁹/L (Group Ⅲ). Surgical outcomes and hematological outcomes were compared between the three groups. Comparisons of quantitative variables were carried out using one-way analysis of variance or kruskal-wallis test and qualitative variables were evaluated using chi-square test or rank-sum test.

There were statistically significant differences in operative time, postoperative 48-hour drainage, platelet counts of the first postoperative day and hospital stay beteween three groups(P<0.05). With the medium follow-up period of 34.5 months, significant difference of the hematological outcomes was observed in three groups(P=0.046).

Preoperative platelet counts are closely related to surgical outcomes and hematological outcomes of LS for ITP. Great efforts need be made to elevate preoperative platelet counts to diminish the surgical risk.