[Esplenectomía laparoscópica, una opción eficaz en un hospital de segundo nivel]

Laparoscopic splenectomy was reserved for selected cases, however and because of the improvement in surgical technique and laparoscopic instruments, nowadays, there are few contraindications.

Retrospective and observational study of patients surgically treated of laparoscopic splenectomy secondary to hematologic diseases in a period span of 6 years. We analyzed demographic, preoperative, transoperative and postoperative variables.

We studied eight patients, 62.5% were men with a mean age of 47.5 years. The most frequent hematologic diagnosis was idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (50%). The approach was laparoscopic in 100%. Median surgical time was 129.87 min and median transoperative bleeding was 396.25 cc. Median length of resected spleen was 15 cm. Median time for oral feeding was 20.62 h and total hospital stay was 4 days. There was only one reported complication.

Laparoscopic splenectomy represents a safe and feasible option with rapid recovery and few complications.