Laparoscopic splenectomy: A retrospective review of 75 cases

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is considered a safe procedure for spleens of normal size as well as for larger spleens. Seventy-five consecutive patients underwent LS. Splenomegaly was defined by diameter15 cm and by weight400 g. Thirty patients had splenomegaly. The outcomes with spleens15 cm and spleens15 cm were compared. LS was successfully completed in 73 cases (97.4%). Spleens15 cm required longer operating time and were associated with greater blood loss (P0.001), longer hospital stay, and more complications. Two patients needed blood transfusion. No overwhelming postsplenectomy infection was registered, and operative mortality was zero.