LAPAROSCOPIC STAGING OF HODGKINS-DISEASE

With recent advances in laparoscopy, specifically the development of l aparoscopic splenectomy, a complete laparoscopic Hodgkin's staging pro cedure is now possible. Using five trocars and the patient in the righ t semidecubitus position, six laparoscopic staging procedures were per formed. All were stages IIA or IIB pre-operatively, and none were upgr aded to stage III or IV as a result of the procedure. Operative time w as from 185-255 min. (mean 210 min.) There were no operative morbiditi es or mortalities associated with the procedure. We believe this proce dure will be adopted by more surgeons as they become more comfortable in performing laparoscopic splenectomies.