Laparoscopic resection of splenic artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic techniques used to manage asymptomatic splenic artery aneurysms have been reported infrequently.

METHODS

A laparoscopic splenic artery aneurysm resection was attempted for six consecutive patients.

RESULTS

One patient underwent conversion to laparotomy because of a tear in the splenic vein. Among the five successful laparoscopic splenic artery aneurysm resections, the mean estimated blood loss was 37 +/- 12.6 ml, the mean operative time was 187.6 +/- 79.2 min, and the mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 1.8 +/- 1.3 days. The mean time to a clear liquid diet was 5.3 +/- 0.5 h, and the mean time to a regular diet was 1 +/- 0 day. The mean duration of narcotic analgesic use was 5.4 +/- 1.5 days, and the mean time to resumption of regular activities was 12.7 +/- 1.6 days.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases illustrate the benefit of a laparoscopic approach with brief hospitalizations, early resumption of diet and regular activity, and minimal use of postoperative narcotic analgesics.