Complex splenectomy: a retrospective analysis of 102 cases YANG Lian-yue, GUO Lei. Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China. Corresponding author: YANG Lian-yue, E-mail: lianyueyang@hotmail.com Abstract Objective To summarize the experience of complex splenectomy. Methods The clinical data of 102 cases of complex splenectomy from January 1998 to January 2008 at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were analyzed retrospectively. Results All the cases were recovered and discharged. No cases of operative mortality, pancreatic leakage or gastric and colonic injury existed. The postoperative complications occurred in 29 cases including 4 cases of intra-abdominal hemorrhage, 13 cases of pulmonary complications (7 of the 8 left pleural effusion cases complicated with left subphrenic abscess), 6 cases of splenic venous thrombophlebitis and 6 cases of mass ascites. All of them were cured by reoperation or conservative treatment. Conclusion The careful evaluation before operation, standardized operative procedure, correct skillful technics of the dissection for perisplenic adhesion and handling of splenic pedicle are the crucial factors determining the safety of complex splenectomy.