[Laparoscopic splenectomy in congenital hemolytic anemia in children].

Experience of 48 laparoscopic splenectomies in children aged from 3 to 14 years with congenital hemolytic anemia is analyzed. The main stages of laparoscopic splenectomy were the following: isolation of the inferior pole of the spleen, transection of the gastro-splenic ligament, transection of the splenic vascular trunk (with endostapler or intracorporeal ligature), dissection of the splenic ligaments, removal of the organ (with endoscopic sac or morcellator). One-stage cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis was performed in 11 patients. Time of surgery was 110-115 minutes, on the average. One-stage cholecystectomy prolonged surgery by 30-40 minutes. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 2 cases because of endostapler failure. Patients were discharged on the 5-8th day after surgery. Physical activity restored completely 10-14 days after surgery. There were no lethal outcomes. Excellent cosmetic results were achieved in all the patients. Laparoscopic splenectomy in congenital hemolytic anemia is safe, sparing and effective endoscopic surgery in childhood.