Rupture of the spleen as an unusual complication of laparoscopy. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic surgery has many advantages but is not without complications, such as viscus perforation and intraabdominal hemorrhage.


METHODS
A rare and severe complication, massive abdominal bleeding due to splenic rupture, became symptomatic after an uneventful laparoscopy. Tearing away of delicate peritoneal reflections or small adhesions on the splenic capsule due to induction of pneumoperitoneum can result in sudden rupture and hemorrhage.


CONCLUSIONS
This possibility should be remembered when laparoscopy is necessary in patients with a history of blunt abdominal trauma.
Takeuchi
K
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kobe University School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunokicho Chuoku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan. kyousuke@skyblue.ocn.ne.jp
Yamada
T
T
Sato
A
A
Nakago
S
S
Maruo
T
T
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications