Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy.

A method of performing a laparoscopic splenectomy with the aide of intraabdominal manipulation is described. We believe that this is a versatile technique that compares quite favorably with a pure cannula approach. It is likely that this approach is safer because vascular control can readily be assured by the intraabdominal operator. It is also less costly because it is more rapid than a procedure done solely by cannula techniques. Moreover, it is reproducible by an experienced general surgeon. The results appear equal in terms of access morbidity and hospitalization time to those seen with a purely laparoscopic approach. Experience with 21 splenectomies is described and compared with 20 others performed by the traditional open approach.