ABSTRACT
There are several indications for splenectomy in children, including many hematologic diseases and uncontrolled hemorrhage from trauma. Removing the spleen has immunologic consequences and therefore benefits of the procedure should always be weighed against the risks of post-splenectomy sepsis. For this reason, partial splenectomy is being explored by some surgeons as an alternative in some of these disease states. Laparoscopic splenectomy has emerged as one of the most frequently performed laparoscopic solid organ procedures in children. Studies in children comparing laparoscopic splenectomy and open splenectomy have shown that the laparoscopic approach is safe and has several advantages, including reduced postoperative pain, a shorter stay in hospital, early return of normal activity, and improved cosmesis. Still, there are many instances where open splenectomy may be a more prudent choice for a variety of reasons, such as splenic trauma or severe splenomegaly among others.
