Is the laparoscopic approach reasonable in cases of splenomegaly?

Laparoscopic splenectomy in cases of splenomegaly has been shown to be feasible in experienced hands, even though the size of the spleen increases the operative time and difficulty. Laparoscopic splenectomy for splenomegaly offers the same advantages as for patients with smaller spleens: a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery. Recent experience has shown that hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery makes the surgical maneuvers during laparoscopic splenectomy in cases of splenomegaly considerably easier while preserving the advantages of a purely laparoscopic approach. This technique may facilitate and broaden the application of laparoscopy for splenectomy in patients with enlarged spleens. © 2004 Westminster Publications, Inc.