Laparoscopic splenectomy for chronic recurrent thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a serious hematologic disorder with a high rate of morbidity and mortality when it fails to go into remission. The primary treatment is total plasma exchange. The addition of corticosteroids, chemotherapeutic agents, or antiplatelet agents is of unproven benefit, and splenectomy has been offered as salvage therapy in refractory cases.

Rectal duplication cyst in an adult: the laparoscopic approach.

Background: Rectal duplication cyst (RDC) is a rare congenital anomaly representing 1% to 8% of all intestinal duplications. The case presented here is the first report of the laparoscopic resection of an RDC.

Methods: We report the case of a 49-year-old white woman in whom a retrorectal cystic mass measuring 5 x 5.