Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the gold standard procedure to remove the spleen in elective patient, but remains a very delicate procedure due to fragility of parenchyma and capsule of the spleen and its close connections with stomach, pancreas and colon.

Laparoscopic splenectomy first started in the early nineties, but due to the lack of an acceptable conversion rate, it was not accepted by most of the laparoscopic surgeons. Now due to increased proficiency in the performance of laparoscopic procedures, the conversion rate is now inexistent even with large spleens. To date, this procedure continues to be associated with a steep learning curve but remains a very rewarding elegant procedure. The indications for this procedure have broadened and are now the same as with open procedures. They range from idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, unresponsive hemolytic anemia to staging procedures, and to primary splenic cysts.

Laparoscopic splenectomy first started in the early nineties, but due to the lack of an acceptable conversion rate, it was not accepted by most of the laparoscopic surgeons. Now due to increased proficiency in the performance of laparoscopic procedures, the conversion rate is now inexistent even with large spleens. To date, this procedure continues to be associated with a steep learning curve but remains a very rewarding elegant procedure. The indications for this procedure have broadened and are now the same as with open procedures. They range from idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, unresponsive hemolytic anemia to staging procedures, and to primary splenic cysts.