title: Elective laparoscopic splenectomy for giant hemangioma: a case report.
abstract: Although unusual, hemangioma is the most common primary splenic neoplasm. Splenectomy is indicated when the tumor is large, with increased risk of hemorrhage. The laparoscopic approach is preferred for most elective splenectomies. Although technically feasible, laparoscopic splenectomy can be a challenge in the patient with splenomegaly. We present herein a case of an 18-year-old male asymptomatic patient who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for the incidental finding of splenomegaly caused by a large splenic hemangioma. Laparoscopic splenectomy appears to be a safe and effective procedure, in appropriately experienced hands, for patients with splenomegaly, given the spleen's fragile anatomy and its relationship to other abdominal viscera.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Interbalkan European Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece. dr.ckosmidis@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Christophoros
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kosmidis
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Efthimiadis
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Anthimidis
authors.forename: Marios
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grigoriou
authors.forename: Kalliopi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vasiliadou
authors.forename: Petros
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sfikakis
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tziris
authors.forename: Epaminondas
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fahantidis