Laparoscopic splenectomy is emerging ‘gold standard’ treatment even for massive spleens

Introduction Since its first description by Delaitre and Maignien in 1991, laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has evolved as treatment of choice for mild-to-moderately-enlarged spleens and for benign haematological disorders. LS is a challenge if massive spleens or malignant conditions necessitate treatment, but we report our method and its feasibility in this study. Methods We undertook a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of all elective splenectomies carried out in our firm of upper gastrointestinal surgeons from June 2003 to June 2012. Only patients opting for elective LS were included in this study. Results From June 2003 to June 2012, elective splenectomy was carried out in 80 patients. Sixty-seven patients underwent LS and 13 underwent open splenectomy (OS). In the LS group, there were 38 males and 29 females. Age ranged from 6 years to 82 years. Spleen size in the LS group ranged from ≤11cm to 27.6cm. Twelve patients had a spleen size of >20cm. Weight ranged from 35g to 2,400g. Eightee...