Laparoscopic splenectomy for haematological diseases.
PURPOSE: To show the utility of laparoscopic splenectomy for hematologic diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with hematologic diseases who were operated between February 1997 and October 1998 were analysed retrospectively. TECHNIQUE: The operations were performed by four trocars, hilar vessels were divided by clips and bag was used for splenic retrival. RESULTS: All operations were completed successfully. No accessory spleens were found. Intraoperative complication, other than a bag tear in one operation did not occur. Postoperative complications occurred in two patients. The first one was a portal vein thrombosis and the second one was a peritonitis. All patients responded hematologically to the operation. CONCLUSION: With appropriate surgical technique and patient follow up, laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe, adventageous and efficaceus operation for hematologic diseases.