[Esplenectomía laparoscópica, una opción eficaz en un hospital de segundo nivel].

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic splenectomy was reserved for selected cases, however and because of the improvement in surgical technique and laparoscopic instruments, nowadays, there are few contraindications.

METHOD: Retrospective and observational study of patients surgically treated of laparoscopic splenectomy secondary to hematologic diseases in a period span of 6 years. We analyzed demographic, preoperative, transoperative and postoperative variables.

RESULTS: We studied eight patients, 62.5% were men with a mean age of 47.5 years. The most frequent hematologic diagnosis was idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (50%). The approach was laparoscopic in 100%. Median surgical time was 129.87 min and median transoperative bleeding was 396.25 cc. Median length of resected spleen was 15 cm. Median time for oral feeding was 20.62 h and total hospital stay was 4 days. There was only one reported complication.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic splenectomy represents a safe and feasible option with rapid recovery and few complications.