Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is a group of genetic disorders that are characterized by the production of hemoglobin S, anemia, and acute and chronic tissue damage secondary to blockages caused by abnormally shaped (ie, sickle-shaped) red blood cells. In children, complications of sickle cell disease (eg, splenic sequestration and splenomegaly) increase the risks for postoperative complications due to the physical stress of the large incisions previously required for splenectomy. An intracorporeal splenic fragmentation technique is now being used to avoid these complications and will be discussed in this article. AORN J 69 (March 1999) 568–582.