First laparoscopic splenectomy performed in Mexico

At Mexico City General Hospital, a 32-year-old female with autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with cholelithiasis underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and splenectomy. The gallbladder and the spleen were delivered intact through a 7-cm extension of the umbilical trocar site. The patient was discharged in excellent condition. We describe the technique of laparoscopic splenectomy and suggest new advantages for the laparoscopic approach to surgery of the spleen.