Laparoscopic Splenectomy

The laparoscopic splenectomy is now the standard operative approach for elective cases or hemodynamically stable patients requiring urgent or emergent splenectomy. Compared to open surgery, the laparoscopic approach affords the benefit of improved mortality, morbidity, and length of stay. It is important to understand when laparoscopic splenectomy is an appropriate approach and when to convert to an open splenectomy.