Laparoscopic splenectomy: a personal series of 140 consecutive cases.

INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic splenectomy has emerged as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of haematological conditions. The objective was to review the results from a large personal series from the perspective of outcomes according to operative time, conversion to open operation, complications and mortality. The application of laparoscopic splenectomy to cases of splenomegaly without hand assistance is examined. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective review of 140 patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy at a single university hospital by one surgeon during 1994-2006. Case notes were reviewed and data collected on operative time, conversion to open procedure, morbidity and mortality. Particular reference was made towards the results of cases of splenomegaly. RESULTS In total 140 laparoscopic splenectomies were performed with a complication rate of 15% and no mortality. The median operative time was 100 min and conversion to open procedure was necessary in 2.1%. Conversion for cases of splenomegaly was only 5.7%. The median hospital stay was 3 days. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe procedure with acceptable morbidity. A laparoscopic approach for splenomegaly is feasible.