Laparoscopic splenectomy: initial laboratory experience.

: An experimental study was conducted in an animal model to test the feasibility of laparoscopic splenectomy. Twelve pigs were operated on. The splenectomy was feasible in 10 cases. However, a splenic injury occurred in five cases and the average blood loss was 80 ccm. We concluded that laparoscopy is feasible in an experimental model but is not a safe and easy procedure. Clinical applications should probably be limited to selected cases.