Laparoscopic splenectomy for haematological diseases: Review of current concepts and opinions

Laparoscopic splenectomy is now currently used by most surgeons in the trea tment of many haematological diseases. The operative technique varies depen ding on the surgeon, but results are usually comparable among published ser ies. We have reviewed 104 papers about laparoscopic splenectomy for haemato logical diseases and paid particular attention to surgical aspects and earl y postoperative results. We searched MEDLINE from January 1989 to April 199 8, and of the 104 papers that we found 41 fulfilled our criteria of large s eries published in peer-reviewed journals that had been cited often. They u sually compared laparoscopic and open splenectomy and focused on common pro blems (such as accessory spleens) and technical aspects (such as bleeding). Laparoscopic splenectomy is reported by most authors to be as safe and effe ctive as open splenectomy for haematological diseases. It also has several advantages over the open approach, such as shorter and less complicated pos toperative stay with better cosmetic results and more rapid return to full activities.