Laparoscopic Versus Open Splenectomy for Nontraumatic Diseases

Background Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the standard procedure for normal size or moderately enlarged spleens; open splenectomy (OS) is preferred in cases of splenomegaly. In this study, indications for and complications of open and laparoscopic splenectomy were analyzed, with the aim to identify patients who will benefit from either technique. Method A consecutive series of 52 patients undergoing elective open or laparoscopic splenectomy between January 2001 and December 2006 was analyzed. Spleen volume was calculated as length × width × depth from the pathologist’s measurements. Results LS was performed in 25 patients with a median age of 41 years (range = 24–65). OS was performed in 27 patients with a median age of 60 years (range = 24–86) ( p