title: Laparoscopic splenectomy for chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
abstract: Since October 1994, we have performed 15 laparoscopic splenectomies for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. All the patients were women, aged 23 to 47 years. We used five ports (three 10-mm ports and two 5-mm ports) for the first eight cases, but we could save one 10-mm port after changing patient's position from supine to the right lateral kidney position. There was no case of conversion to exploratory laparotomy. The mean hospital stay was 6 days. No significant perioperative morbidity or mortality was associated with the surgery. Since undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy, 12 patients have been off steroids, two patients have been on small doses of steroids, and one patient has been on the same dose of steroid with no response. Laparoscopic splenectomy is a relatively safe and reasonable operative procedure for the patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or normal-sized spleen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D011187:Posture; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000601:surgery*; D012074:Remission Induction; D012449:Safety; D013154:Spleen / Q000002:abnormalities; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013369:Subphrenic Abscess / Q000209:etiology; D016683:Supine Position
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011241:Prednisone