Laparoscopic splenectomy and infection

Partial laparoscopic splenectomy is performed commonly in hereditary spherocytosis. Vaccination against capsulatedbacteria is essential before undergoing splenectomy. Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy is known to be effectiveand convenient in the removal of a spleen larger than 20 cm in size. Laparoscopic splenectomy provides less hemorrhage,reduced surgical trauma and pain, shorter duration of hospital stay, and early recovery. Laparoscopic approachwas particularly effective in reducing the infectious complication rate compared with the open surgery. Infectious complicationsof splenectomy were observed to be wound infection, subphrenic abscess, and sometimes pulmonary infection.J Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 3(1): 1-2Key words: Laparoscopy, splenectomy, infection