title: [Laparoscopic splenectomy--a case control study].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is internationally considered the standard procedure in surgical treatment of diseases of the spleen. We present our initial results with LS compared with open splenectomy (OS).
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a prospective investigation of 12 elective, consecutive LS compared with 12 matching OS controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The operation time for LS was significantly longer than for OS (p < 0.01). The intra-operative blood loss was significant lower for LS (p < 0.001) and more accessory spleens were found by LS (p = 0.4). Furthermore, there was a tendency towards fewer postoperative complications in LS (p = 0.35). The admission period was significantly reduced after LS (median two versus four days; p < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on this investigation and the international literature on the subject, LS seems to be a safe and favourable procedure for elective splenectomy, except in case of distinct splenomegaly. Therefore, this method should also in Denmark be considered the standard operation for diseases of the spleen, which will probably require a certain centralisation of operations.
authors.affiliation: Hillerød Hospital, Kirurgisk Klinik, Nedre Kirurgi, Hillerød. mette.christoffersen@live.dk
authors.forename: Mette W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Christoffersen
authors.forename: Orhan
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bulut
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jess
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult