Introduction:

the spleen is the largest reticuloendothelial organ in the body. This can be affected by a series of primary and secondary disorders indicative of splenectomy. The first splenectomies using minimal access techniques were reported between 1991 and 1992, finding among their advantages a faster recovery, better aesthetic results, and less intraoperative bleeding.

Case presentation:

43-year-old patient who underwent surgery for massive splenomegaly secondary to immunological thrombocytopenic purpura, undergoing satisfactory laparoscopic splenectomy.

Discussion:

massive splenomegalies are those when the spleen exceeds 20 cm in length between its upper and lower poles, this criterion being a relative contraindication for laparoscopic splenectomy.

Conclusions:

the successful removal of the spleen by laparoscopic surgery in those patients with massive splenomegaly may be feasible provided that a series of elementary conditions are met.

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