ABSTRACT
Laparoscopic splenectomy was first introduced in 1992 and has since become a widespread laparoscopic procedure. Because of the bulk and vascularity of the spleen, laparoscopic splenectomy is one of the more challenging laparoscopic procedures. Despite this, laparoscopic splenectomy has become the preferred method for resection in patients with normal-sized spleens. However, a wide variety of pathological conditions that affect the spleen and necessitate its removal also cause significant splenomegaly, which presents a further challenge to the laparoscopic surgeon. Laparoscopic techniques, especially with the addition of hand-assistance technology, have been used successfully to carry out splenectomy in selected patients with marked splenomegaly.
