Laparoscopic splenectomy and lymph node biopsy for XXXX .

@entity1 @entity1503
OBJECTIVE: The authors audit the introduction of laparoscopic splenectomy and laparoscopic intra-abdominal lymph node biopsy and compare outcomes with a parallel cohort of @entity1 undergoing open splenectomy. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Laparoscopic splenectomy was first reported in 1992. It was introduced into clinical practice at the Royal Brisbane Hospital in 1991. Between June 1991 and March 1994, 24 @entity1 have undergone laparoscopic splenectomies and 23 @entity1 have had laparoscopic intra-abdominal lymph node biopsies. METHODS: Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed using a four- or five-port technique. The splenic hilum was secured using a linear stapler cutter, and the spleen was removed after placing it in a laparoscopic bag. Lymph node biopsy was performed using a three- or four-port technique, depending on the site and size of the lymphadenopathy. RESULTS: Laparoscopic splenectomy was completed in 22 @entity1 (92%). Median hospital stay was 3 days (range 2-7 days) and morbidity occurred in two @entity1 (8%). Lymph node biopsy was completed laparoscopically in 21 of 23 @entity1 (91%), with morbidity in two cases (9%). Median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-6 days), with a diagnostic accuracy of 90%. Comparison with open splenectomy revealed that the laparoscopic approach took significantly longer to perform (p = 0.0002), but resulted in a significantly shorter hospital stay (p = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Both laparoscopic splenectomy and laparoscopic lymph node biopsy currently are used as the treatments of choice for @entity1503 in our institution.
