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 lap aroscopic cholecystectomy and splenectomy. The gallbladder and the spl een were delivered intact through a 7-cm extension of the umbilical tr ocar site. The patient was discharged in excellent condition. We descr ibe the technique of laparoscopic splenectomy and suggest new advantag es for the laparoscopic approach to surgery of the spleen.