title: Laparoscopic resection of splenic artery aneurysms.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic techniques used to manage asymptomatic splenic artery aneurysms have been reported infrequently.
  
  
  METHODS
  A laparoscopic splenic artery aneurysm resection was attempted for six consecutive patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One patient underwent conversion to laparotomy because of a tear in the splenic vein. Among the five successful laparoscopic splenic artery aneurysm resections, the mean estimated blood loss was 37 +/- 12.6 ml, the mean operative time was 187.6 +/- 79.2 min, and the mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 1.8 +/- 1.3 days. The mean time to a clear liquid diet was 5.3 +/- 0.5 h, and the mean time to a regular diet was 1 +/- 0 day. The mean duration of narcotic analgesic use was 5.4 +/- 1.5 days, and the mean time to resumption of regular activities was 12.7 +/- 1.6 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These cases illustrate the benefit of a laparoscopic approach with brief hospitalizations, early resumption of diet and regular activity, and minimal use of postoperative narcotic analgesics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA. reardonp@texmist.com
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Reardon
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Otah
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Craig
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Reardon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007813:Laparotomy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013157:Splenic Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D013162:Splenic Vein / Q000293:injuries; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid