How to prevent intraoperative risks and complications in laparoscopic splenectomy

Since its introduction in 1992 laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the technique of choice for surgical removal of the spleen in several centres. The procedure, however, is associated with risks and complications, either during surgery or in the postoperative phase. Although the incidence of intraoperative complications is unknown, intraoperative risks in patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy are not uncommon. In this article, we reviewed the literature on risks and complications during LS, and we point out, based on our personal series and on the experiences reported by other Authors, how to prevent, whenever possible, these complications.