title: Laparoscopic splenectomy coupled with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic surgery performed for coexisting spleen and gallbladder surgical diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between May 2004 and October 2012, 12 patients underwent concomitant laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy. Indications for surgery included idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in 5 patients, hereditary spherocytosis in 4 patients, and thalassemia intermedia in 3 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean operative time was 100 minutes (range, 80 -160 minutes), and the blood loss ranged from 0 to 150 mL (mean, 50 mL). The mean longitudinal diameter of the spleen was 14 cm. One patient required conversion to open procedure. An accessory spleen was detected and removed in one case. The mean length of hospital stay was 5 days. No deaths or other major intraoperative and/or postoperative complications occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Provided that the technique is performed by an experienced surgical team, concomitant laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy is a safe and feasible procedure and may be considered for coexisting spleen and gallbladder diseases.
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Catania, Italy.
authors: Rosario
authors: R
authors: Vecchio
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Catania, Casella Postale 226, 96011 Augusta, Italy. evaintagliata@vodafone.it.
authors: Eva
authors: E
authors: Intagliata
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Catania, Italy.
authors: Salvatore
authors: S
authors: Marchese
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Catania, Italy.
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: La Corte
authors: Hematologic Unit, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Catania, Italy.
authors: Rossella Rosaria
authors: RR
authors: Cacciola
authors: Hematologic Unit, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Catania, Italy.
authors: Emma
authors: E
authors: Cacciola
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D061646:Operative Time; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000379:methods*; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult