Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
Methods: Twenty-one patients with ITP underwent LS. The data of preoperative and postoperative platelet counts, intraoperative blood loss, recovery time, hospital stay time, and complications were analyzed prospectively.
Results: The platelet count was elevated rapidly in one week, and peristalsis of alimentary tract was recovered in 24 hours after operation in all cases. All patients got out of bed within 6 hours postoperatively. Their mean hospitalization time was 4 days. Complications were seen in 4 cases, of which one case underwent laparotomy, one case underwent laparoscopy once more to stop bleeding, one case developed subdiaphragmatic infection, and one case developed subcutaneous emphysema. Sixteen patients were followed up, and 2 patients relapsed.
Conclusion: LS is a relatively safe and effective measure for treatment of ITP.