[Laparoscopic splenectomy].

To date more than 400 laparoscopic splenectomies have been reported in the literature. The main indications for the procedure are benign haematological diseases, in particular idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Laparoscopic splenectomy to treat malignant illnesses is rare and is usually restricted to small or only moderately enlarged spleens. Technically, the lateral abdominal approach with the patient in a right decubitus position has the advantage over the anterior approach in the supine patient of permitting better access to the organ. Under the force of gravity the stomach and intestines drop out of the operating field, and the splenic ligaments are placed under tension. This facilitates dissection with the harmonic scalpel and safe divisioning of the hilar vessels using the linear stapler. The individual steps of the procedure are described in detail.