Present status of laparoscopic splenectomy for hematologic diseases: certitudes and unresolved issues

Laparoscopic splenectomy is considered to be the "gold-standard" treatment of benign hematologic diseases, with normal or slightly enlarged spleens. Laparoscopic treatment of malignant diseases and splenomegalies remains more controversial. The procedure requires a great surgeon's laparoscopic expertise, appropriate positioning of the patient and trocar insertion, and gentle and meticulous dissection of the spleen. The technique is feasible in 91% of the patients with a 0.9% operative mortality and a postoperative complications rate of 12%. When compared with open splenectomy in retrospective case-controlled studies, the laparoscopic approach includes a longer operative time and higher operative room costs. However, advantages include reduced postoperative hospital stay and faster return to normal activities. Despite scarce reported data, long-term hematologic cure rate seems to be equivalent in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The accuracy of laparoscopic exploration to detect all accessory spleens is however questioned, and residual postoperative accessory splenic tissues have been observed. Prospective randomized controlled trials comparing short- and long-term results of open and laparoscopic splenectomies are required to confirm definitely the role of laparoscopy in the management of hematologic disorders.