Results of laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy has been demonstrated to be technically feasible and safe for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), hereditary spherocytosis, and Hodgkin's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 76 consecutive patients with chronic ITP who were admitted to our hospital from 1968 to 1997 and underwent splenectomy; 35 patients underwent a laparoscopic splenectomy, and 41 had open surgery. RESULTS: Laparoscopic splenectomy involved minimal incision, and a significantly lower frequency of analgesia was required for postoperative abdominal pain (1.4 versus 3.3); postoperative hospital stay was shorter (9.6 versus 20.1 days, P <0.05). Operative time was significantly longer for the laparoscopic surgery (204.5 versus 99.8 minutes, P <0.01), but blood loss was less (154.4 versus 511.7 g, P <0.01). During the present study (range 3.8 to 80 months), accumulative nonrecurrence rate was 67.9% in 5 years after surgery, which is similar to that of the previous open splenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy can become an alternative therapeutic modality in the treatment of ITP.     

Conversion factors for laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Background: Since 1994, 27 patients at our institution have undergone laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Laparoscopic splenectomy was completed in 22 of these patients. We sought to identify factors that precluded successful laparoscopic splenectomy in the remaining 5 patients. Methods: Retrospective review of 27 patients with ITP undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy was performed at Duke University Medical Center from August, 1994 to September, 1997. Results: Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed in 16 women and 11 men with a mean age of 47.2 years. Five (18%) of these procedures were converted to open splenectomy. There was no significant difference in age, ASA score, gender, weight, height, or splenic size between the converted and laparoscopic groups. However, preoperative and postoperative platelet counts were significantly higher in the laparoscopic group than in the converted group (p < 0.001). Operative times also were significantly longer for the laparoscopic group than for the converted group (p < 0.001). Adherent adjacent structures, associated comorbidities, and technical errors prohibited laparoscopic completion in five patients. Technical errors with subsequent bleeding required conversion in two patients. A thickened greater omentum blanketing the splenic capsule and a densely adherent pancreatic tail extending well into the splenic hilum prevented laparoscopic completion in two patients. Increased peak airway pressures greater than 60 mmHg after pneumoperitoneum necessitated conversion in the remaining patient, who had a previous history of pulmonary insufficiency. Regardless of surgical approach, all patients achieved a therapeutic response after splenectomy. Splenectomies completed laparoscopically resulted in a significantly shorter length of hospital stay (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Densely adherent adjacent structures, technical errors, and cardiopulmonary instability may preclude successful completion of laparoscopic splenectomies. Thorough preoperative evaluation with an emphasis on the cardiopulmonary system may elicit a cohort of individuals with ITP who are unlikely to undergo laparoscopic splenectomy successfully. This cohort also may include individuals with preoperative platelet counts less than 35,000 mm⁻³. Received: 15 April 1998/Received: 15 January 1999     

腹腔镜脾切除术治疗免疫性血小板减少性紫癜的学习曲线

目的评估腹腔镜脾切除术（LS）治疗免疫性血小板减少性紫癜（ITP）不同阶段的手术效果,探讨LS的学习曲线问题。方法回顾性分析2003年5月至2010年3月期间同一主刀医生完成的105例LS治疗ITP的临床资料。按入院顺序分为A、B、C3组,每组35例,比较3组手术时间、术中出血量、术后48h总引流量、并发症发生率及术后住院时间等效果指标。结果所有患者无需中转传统手术。线性回归分析显示手术例数与手术时间、术中出血量均呈线性关系（相关系数分别为-0.408和-0.234,P值分别为〈0.001和0.016）。3组手术时间分别为（125.0±33.5）min、（111.8±26.3）min和（100.1±25.7）min（P=0.002）,术中出血量分别为（95.7±166.0）ml、（64.3±100.8）ml和（38.3±34.3）m（lP=0.007）。两两比较,A组与C组手术时间和术中出血量差异有显著性（P值分别为0.001和0.002）。3组术后48小时总引流量、并发症发生率及术后住院时间差异无统计学意义。结论腹腔镜脾切除术治疗免疫性血小板减少性紫癜是安全可行的。随着手术例数增加,手术时间和术中出血量逐渐减少。学习曲线约为35例,可达到较熟练程度。     

Predictive factors for successful laparoscopic splenectomy in immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Background Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) offers better short-term results than open surgery for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), but long-term follow-up is required to ensure its efficacy. The remission rate after splenectomy ranges from 49 to 86% and the factors that predict a successful response to surgical management have not been clearly defined. The goal of this study was to determine the preoperative factors that predict a successful outcome following LS. Methods From February 1993 to December 2003, LS was consecutively performed in a series of 119 nonselected patients diagnosed with ITP (34 men and 85 women; mean age, 41 years), and clinical results were prospectively recorded. Postoperative follow-up was based on clinical records, follow-up data provided by the referring hematologist, and a phone interview with the patient and/or relative. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for clinical preoperative variables to identify predictive factors of success following LS. Results Over a mean period of 33 months, 103 patients (84%) were available for follow-up with a remission rate of 89% (92 patients, 77 with complete remission with platelet count >150,000). Eleven patients did not respond to surgery (platelet count <50,000). Mortality during follow-up was 2.5% (two cases not related to hematological pathology and one case without response to splenectomy). Preoperative clinical variables evaluated to identify predictive factors of response to surgery were sex, age, treatment (corticoids alone or associated with Ig or chemotherapy), other immune pathology, duration of disease, and preoperative platelet count. In a subgroup of 52 patients, we also evaluated the type of autoantibodies and corticoid doses required to maintain a platelet count >50,000. Multivariate analysis showed that none of the variables evaluated could be considered as predictive factors of response to LS due to the high standard error. Conclusion Long-term clinical results show that LS is a safe and effective therapy for ITP. However, a higher number of nonresponders is needed to determine which variables predict response to LS for ITP.     

Predictive factors for successful laparoscopic splenectomy in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

HYPOTHESIS: Younger patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and high preoperative platelet counts successfully respond to laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Private, tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: Sixty-seven consecutive patients undergoing LS for ITP between 1995 and 2001. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A successful response to LS was defined as a postoperative platelet count greater than 100 x 10(3)/microL without medical therapy. Failures were classified as recurrent or refractory. Patients considered refractory to surgery did not achieve a platelet count greater than 100 x 10(3)/microL without medical therapy. Patients with recurrent ITP initially achieved a platelet count greater than 100 x 10(3)/microL, but thrombocytopenia subsequently recurred. RESULTS: Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for 13 preoperative variables to identify factors predictive of success following LS. At a mean follow up of 22 months, 43 patients (64%) had a successful response to LS, 14 (21%) were refractory, and 10 (15%) developed recurrent ITP. By univariate analysis, patients responding to laparoscopic splenectomy were younger (P =.005) and had a higher preoperative platelet count (P =.005). In multivariate analysis, younger age (P =.005) and a higher preoperative platelet count (P =.007) again predicted a successful response to LS. CONCLUSIONS: A successful response to LS for ITP is expected in patients younger than 50 years and in those with preoperative platelet counts greater than 70 x 10(3)/microL. These factors can be incorporated into an equation that yields a splenectomy prediction score, which predicts the success of LS for ITP.     

Late results of splenectomy in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Splenectomy is definitive treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) because it removes both the sites of autoantibody producing cells and also the major site of platelet destruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long term results of splenectomised patients with ITP and to determine predictor factors for good response. A 167 patients with chronic ITP (136 females, 31 males), median aged 35 years (17-74) was splenectomised after 2 to 160 months (Median 12) from diagnosis of ITP. Indications for splenectomy were: 6 weeks of steroid therapy with platelet count below 10 x 10(9)/l or 3 months with platelet count under 30 x 10(9)/l, or treatment with prednisone above 30 mg more of 6 months to increase platelet count over 30 x 10(9)/l, or repeated relapses. Postoperative complications developed in 16 patients (9.5%), 3 of them died (1.8%) due to thromboembolism and 17 patients discontinued later controls. During follow up to 172 months (Median 62) 111/147 splenectomised patients were in remission (75.5%), 99 in complete (above 100 x 10(9)/l), 12 in partial (50-100 x 10(9)/l) and 36 patients (24.5%) were relapsed (below 50 x 10(9)/l). Remission was achieved in 79/88 patients (89.8%) with good response to prednisone before splenectomy toward 32/62 patients (51.6%) with poor response to prednisone (p < 0.01). Remission was obtained in 9/11 patients (81.8%) who responded well to intravenous immune globulin (0.4 g/kg x 5 d) and only in 1/8 who did not (p < 0.05). Higher response rate was achieved in patients under 40 years of age (81.6%) than in older ones (63.4%) (p < 0.05). No difference was shown between sex and time intervals (3, 6, 12, 24, 36 or over 36 months) from diagnosis to splenectomy. Splenectomy is an effective treatment of refractory ITP with response rate of 75.5% after median follow up of 62 months. In our patients better results on splenectomy were associated with age less than 40 years, good responses to steroid, and intravenous immune globulin.     

Predictors of response after laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Background: Splenectomy has been shown to produce long term remission in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). With the development of laparoscopic splenectomy, there is renewed interest in the surgical treatment of ITP. The aim of this study was to identify factors that are predictive of outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP. Methods: A case series of 67 consecutive patients with ITP undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy was reviewed. A positive response was defined as a postoperative platelet count greater than 150,000/ml requiring no maintenance medical therapy on follow-up evaluation. A chi-square test and a stepwise logistic regression analysis were performed for the following variables: age, gender, preoperative response to steroids, duration of disease, severity of preoperative bleeding, accessory spleens, and thrombocytosis on discharge. Results: At a median follow-up period of 38 months (range, 2--56 months), 52 patients (78%) had a positive response to laparoscopic splenectomy. Of the 15 patients (22%) who did not have a positive response, 11 were refractory and 4 relapsed. All relapses occurred in patients with a platelet count less than 150,000/ml at discharge. Patient age was the most significant predictive factor for success or failure of the operation. The median age of the responders (31 years; range, 19--71 years) was significantly lower than the median age of the nonresponders (49 years; range, 24--62; p < 0.001). Only 5.6% of those younger than 40 years did not have a positive response, compared with 42% of patients older than 40 years (p < 0.05). Patient age was significantly associated with outcome on univariable chi-square analysis (p = 0.001), and was the only significant factor on multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.71--4.1). Other significant predictors of outcome on univariable analysis were preoperative response to corticosteroids and platelet count on discharge. Conclusions: A long-lasting response after splenectomy for ITP is more likely to occur in patients younger than 40 years of age. To avoid the long-term side effects of corticosteroid use, early surgical referral of younger patients with ITP should be considered. apd: 6 February 2001     

Laparoscopic splenectomy in a pregnant patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

We describe the perioperative management of a pregnant woman at 19 weeks' gestation with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura requiring laparoscopic splenectomy. The preoperative platelet count ranged between 1 and 5 x 10(9)/L and did not respond to conventional medical therapy. To reduce the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, platelets were transfused before induction of anesthesia to maintain platelet count closer to 20 x 10(9)/L. The blood pressure was monitored continuously via an arterial line and remifentanil was infused to prevent a hypertensive response to induction/intubation, carbon dioxide insufflation, and surgery. After the splenic artery was clamped, additional platelet units were transfused to assure surgical hemostasis.     

Introduction of laparoscopic splenectomy for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura

AIM OF THE STUDY: Was to evaluate retrospectively the outcomes and efficacy of the laparoscopic splenectomies for ITP patients, performed at our institution over a period of 7 years and to compare these results with those after open splenectomies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We collected and analyzed data of 22 consecutive adult patients with ITP who underwent either laparoscopic (LS gr., n = 9) or open (OS gr., n = 13) splenectomy at Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine between the years 1996 and 2002. The indications for splenectomy in these patients were unsuccessful treatment with corticosteroids or other medications and/or the requirement of high dosages of steroids for prolonged periods of time to maintain platelet count > 50 G/L before operation. Prior to surgery, all patients were treated with corticosteroids and/or intravenous immunoglobulin to raise the platelet count and to minimize the risk of intraoperative bleeding. The efficacy of the operation was evaluated by counting platelets one day before surgery and on the first and fifth postoperative day. Data chosen for analysis included age, gender, weight, height, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, number of converted patients, estimated blood loss during operation, operating time, postoperative secretion through the drains, morbidity, mortality and postoperative hospital stay. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between LS and OS groups according patients age, weight, height, gender and ASA score. The mean operative time was 138.8 +/- 50.1 min in LS group and was significantly longer than operative time in OS group (102.3 +/- 21.3 min). One patient was converted to open splenectomy because of severe bleeding from splenic hilum. Postoperative complications occurred in one patient from each group. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 460 +/- 125 ml in LS group and 510 +/- 140 ml in OS group (p > 0.05). Postoperative secretion through the drains and postoperative secretion time in LS group was significantly lower and shorter than in OS group. Postoperative hospital stay in LS group (5 +/- 1.1 days) was significantly shorter than in OS group (8 +/- 1.4 days). After splenectomy, there was an immediate increase in the platelet count of all patients in both groups. Between the day before surgery and the first postoperative day, the mean platelet count rose significantly from 75 +/- 57.0 G/L to 117 +/- 84.2 G/L in LS group and from 64 +/- 60.1 G/L to 122 +/- 79.3 G/L in OS group. Between the first postoperative day and the fifth postoperative day, the mean platelet count also rose significantly in both groups: from 117 +/- 84.2 G/L to 259 +/- 151.0 G/L in LS group and from 122 +/- 79.3 G/L to 258 +/- 158.4 G/L in OS group. In the immediate postoperative period (five days after operation), all LS group and OS group patients responded to the splenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic or open splenectomy are equally efficacious in patients with ITP, with an immediate response rate of 100 % in our study. Our study results show that open splenectomy appears superior to laparoscopic procedure in terms of shorter operative time. Laparoscopic splenectomy appears superior to open procedure in terms of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative drainage time, less postoperative secretion through the drains. These two approaches are similar with regard to blood loss during operations and the rate of postoperative complications.     

Predicting response to splenectomy in children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Purpose

Predicting the response to splenectomy in children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) continues to be a clinical challenge. The purpose of this study is to identify preoperative predictors of outcome for splenectomy in children with ITP.

Methods

The charts of 19 children who underwent splenectomy for ITP were retrospectively reviewed. Platelet responses to treatment are categorized as complete response (CR, ≥150,000/μL), partial response (PR, ≥50,000 but <150,000/μL), or nonresponse (NR, <50,000/μL).

Results

After splenectomy, 13 patients (68%) had CR, 3 (16%) had PR, and 3 (16%) had NR. No correlation existed between CR to splenectomy and any of the following: age, platelet count at diagnosis, last platelet count before splenectomy, platelet count on postoperative day 1, or responses to preoperative intravenous immunoglobulin, WinRho, or Rituximab. However, all 7 patients who had NR to a full course of steroids subsequently had CR to splenectomy. Nonresponse to steroid therapy was directly correlated with CR to splenectomy (P = .01, Fisher's Exact test). Furthermore, postsplenectomy platelet counts were inversely related to peak platelet response to steroids (correlation coefficient = −0.68, P = .01).

Conclusions

Preoperative responsiveness to steroid therapy, as measured by peak platelet count, predicts NR to splenectomy for ITP in children, whereas NR to steroid therapy is highly correlated with CR to splenectomy. These findings challenge the widely held notion that steroid responsiveness portends a favorable outcome after splenectomy.     

Cesarean section combined with splenectomy in a parturient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

The case of a 25-year-old parturient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura is discussed. The patient was first seen at 20 weeks' gestation because of a history of thrombocytopenia after delivery of a child six years previously. The patient was not compliant with prednisone therapy or return follow-up visits; a combined cesarean section with splenectomy was planned for this patient. The report discusses the multidisciplinary management of this patient during her pregnancy and delivery.     

Safety of laparoscopic splenectomy in elderly patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is very successful. However, the safety of LS in older patients who have less cardiac and pulmonary reserve has not been studied. Our objective was to compare results of LS in elderly and younger patients with ITP. LS performed for ITP between 1992 and 1999 were studied. Perioperative data were collected concurrently. Follow-up was obtained by chart review and phone interview. Groups were arbitrarily divided: Group A, age > or =70; group B, age <70. Main outcome measures were platelet response, duration of operation, hospitalization, blood loss, and complications were compared using t test and Chi-square analyses. Group A had more comorbid conditions (80% vs 28%, P = 0.04). Operative time (80 vs 119 minutes, P = 0.23), estimated blood loss (156 vs 189 cm3, P = 0.62), and hospitalization (3.6 vs 2.8 days, P = 0.23) were similar for both groups. Although group B had significantly more patients with an early platelet response (70% vs 97%, P = 0.02), there was no difference in platelet response at long-term follow-up (70% vs 84%, P = 0.22). Long-term follow-up was completed on 87 per cent of patients at an average of 43 months postoperatively. We conclude that LS is safe and effective in elderly patients with ITP.     

腹腔镜脾切除术治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜的临床应用

目的探讨腹腔镜脾切除术（1aparoscopics plenectomy,LS）治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜（idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura,ITP）的可行性及临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2007年10月至2009年2月间16例行LS治疗ITP的临床资料。结果本组治愈15例,无再发出血,血小板总数上升为（130-439．1）×10^9／L;部分有效1例。术后并发肺部感染1例,戳孔感染2例,发热2例,均行对症治疗后治愈。术后无死亡病例。随访4～12个月．无复发病例。结论LS治疗ITP是安全、可行的。疗效良好。     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura during pregnancy

A successful case of a hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum for autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient at 23 weeks' gestation is reported. Preoperative splenic arterial embolization was performed on the same day as the operation using painless contour embolic material and super-absorbent polymer microspheres. The abdominal wall retraction method first was applied to avoid the effects of pneumoperitoneum on systemic hemodynamic alterations. However, a sufficient surgical view could not be obtained, as the intra-abdominal organs were elevated because of the enlarged uterus. A surgical view with 4 to 6-mm Hg pneumoperitoneum was available for the hand-assisted splenectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient vaginally delivered a healthy infant. A hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum after splenic arterial embolization would be feasible for patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura during a relatively advanced pregnancy.     

特发性血小板减少性紫癜行腹腔镜脾切除术的临床体会

[摘 要] 目的 探讨腹腔镜脾切除术治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜（idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura,ITP）的安全性和可行性。方法 回顾性分析皖南医学院第一附属医院2014年6月至2017年6月期间收治的确诊ITP患者27例,按照手术方法不同分为两组：腹腔镜组行腹腔镜脾切除术,共17例;开腹组行开腹脾切除术,共10例。观察两组手术基本情况,比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、术后通气时间、术后脾窝引流管拔除时间、术后住院天数,以及术后第1、3、7天患者外周血血小板计数。 两组患者均顺利出院,术后第7天两组患者外周血血小板计数均大于100×10 9 /L。两组手术时间、结果 术中出血量、术后第1、3、7天外周血血小板计数,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。但腹腔镜组在术后通气时间、术后脾窝引流管拔除时间、术后住院时间均较开腹组明显缩短（P<0.05）。结论 腹腔镜脾切除术治疗ITP创伤相对小、术后恢复快,安全、可行,值得临床推广。     

影响腹腔镜脾切除治疗免疫性血小板减少性紫癜疗效的多因素分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜脾切除(LS)治疗免疫性血小板减少性紫癜(ITP)疗效的影响因素.方法 对2007年1月至2012年9月78例行LS的ITP患者临床资料进行回顾性分析,根据术后疗效分为有效组和无效组,对9项影响因素进行单因素及多因素分析.结果 在有效组(65例)与无效组(13例)患者中,术前1d中位血小板计数分别为47×109/L和21×109/L,平均手术时间分别为(166±46) min和(139±29) min.单因素分析结果显示,2组患者间术前1d血小板计数(Z=-2.776,P =0.005)及手术时间(t=2.723,P=0.011)差异有统计学意义.多因素分析结果显示,术前1d血小板计数是预测LS治疗ITP疗效的有效指标(OR=0.964,95％ CI:0.932 ～0.997,P=0.031),而手术时间并非有效指标(P=0.051).结论 术前1d血小板计数是一项能有效预测LS治疗ITP疗效的指标.但各种影响因素能否真正起到预测LS治疗ITP疗效的作用,还需进一步通过大样本、多中心、前瞻性研究加以验证.     

腹腔镜下脾切除治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜的临床研究

目的 探讨腹腔镜脾切除术在治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜中的应用,手术方法及临床效果。方法 对我科于1999年6月-2006年6月期间的24例7特发性血小板减少性紫癜在腹腔镜下行脾切除术进行回顾性分析。结果 本组24例腹腔镜脾切除术中,22例是顺利完成脾切除术,2例是分别由于术中脾蒂出血．胃短血管出血而中转开腹脾切除术。22例腹腔镜脾切除中,平均手术时间为150rain,术中平均失血量为100m1．术后胃肠蠕动恢复时间为10—24h,平均住院时间为4d。术后未发现有并发症。结论 腹腔镜脾切除术是治疗特发性血小板减少性紫瘢安全可行的最佳方法之一。     

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. We performed laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) on two patients with chronic refractory TTP. The early and late postoperative courses, including hematologic data, are presented here. The mean duration of surgery was 113 minutes and the mean estimated blood loss was 35 mL. Mean hospital stay was 1.5 days. The early postoperative platelet count showed an immediate rise in both patients. After 19 months and 16 months of follow-up, respectively, both patients remain in remission without further episodes of TTP. Laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe and effective therapy for patients with chronic relapsing and refractory TTP. The inherent benefits of the minimally invasive approach, its low morbidity, short hospital stay, and faster recovery, are significant advantages for these patients.     

Single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: Report of a case

We herein report a case of single-incision laparoscopic access (SILA) splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). A 24-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of ITP received corticosteroid therapy. However, as the side effects became serious, a splenectomy option was chosen. The SILA splenectomy using a transumbilical approach is cosmetically more attractive than a conventional laparoscopic approach, but it has an increased risk of major bleeding due to technical considerations. Therefore, we prioritized the patient’s safety during the SILA splenectomy by choosing a left lower abdominal approach. The operating time was 123 min and blood loss was 1 ml. This was comparable to a conventional laparoscopic splenectomy. The present case appears to be the first SILA splenectomy reported in Japan. In our experience, a SILA splenectomy is feasible and safe, with favorable perioperative and shortterm patient outcomes. Further studies are necessary before the universal adoption of this new technique.