LAPAROSCOPICALLY ASSISTED MASSIVE SPLENECTOMY - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT OF THE TECHNIQUE OF EARLY HILAR DEVASCULARIZATION

Laparoscopic splenectomy has been safely performed for small spleens, but technical limitations have prevented massive splenectomy. We descr ibe a technique of early hilar devascularization to enable massive spl enectomy in three patients over the age of 80 years, Massive splenecto my was performed with minimal blood loss and minor morbidity. Early la paroscopic control of the splenic artery and vein will enable the safe removal of the massive spleen, without major laparotomy. Morbidity of splenectomy may be reduced by laparoscopy.