Preliminary report of experience with laparoscopic splenectomy in adults and children

Laparoscopic splenectomy is effective and technically feasible for treating various hematological diseases such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), congenital spherocytosis, hemolytic anemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. An anterior approach to the vascular pedicle is usually described. However, in this approach to the splenic hilum, the dissection of the splenic artery is frequently difficult. The laparoscopic posterolateral approach involves dissection of the posterolateral attachments to the diaphragm, followed by the dissection and ligation of all splenic branches near the splenic parenchyma. We used it in 9 adults and 4 children: 11 patients had ITP, 1 spherocytosis and 1 Hodgkin's lymphoma. This procedure was completed in 13 patients, but in 2 it had to be converted to open surgery. Mean operating time was 3 hours and mean postoperative stay 3 days. Blood transfusion was not required and there were no postoperative complications. Laparoscopic splenectomy is safe in both adults and children, and the posterolateral approach provides excellent visualization and allows control of the branches of the splenic vein and artery in the splenic hilum.