BACKGROUND: In selected cases the spleen can be removed: METHODS: 2 women and 1 men with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, with hypersplenism without splenomegaly, underwent splenectomy by laparoscopic means. RESULTS: In 2 cases the splenectomy has been performed entirely by laparoscopic means. In 1 case the operation has been converted as we have not been able to control a venous bleeding from injured hilar spleen vessels. DISCUSSION: No particular technical problems arose in the 2 cases entirely conducted by laparoscopic means. Care must be taken manipulating the hilar vessels as the veins are fragile and their bleeding is difficult to be controlled in laparoscopy. The laparoscopic splenectomy seems to offer less postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization and improved cosmesis according to our previous experience with open splenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The good result of the operations encourages the laparoscopic approach to splenectomy, in selected cases.
BACKGROUND: In selected cases the spleen can be removed: METHODS: 2 women and 1 men with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, with hypersplenism without splenomegaly, underwent splenectomy by laparoscopic means. RESULTS: In 2 cases the splenectomy has been performed entirely by laparoscopic means. In 1 case the operation has been converted as we have not been able to control a venous bleeding from injured hilar spleen vessels. DISCUSSION: No particular technical problems arose in the 2 cases entirely conducted by laparoscopic means. Care must be taken manipulating the hilar vessels as the veins are fragile and their bleeding is difficult to be controlled in laparoscopy. The laparoscopic splenectomy seems to offer less postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization and improved cosmesis according to our previous experience with open splenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The good result of the operations encourages the laparoscopic approach to splenectomy, in selected cases.