Alisa M Coker, MD, Joslin Cheverie, MD, Ryan C Broderick, MD, Cristina R Harnsberger, MD, Bryan J Sandler, MD, Garth R Jacobsen, MD, Santiago Horgan, MD. University of California San Diego.
We present the case of an 82 year old male requiring multiple admissions and transfusions for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Computed tomography revealed a very large spleen, measuring 18 cm. A laparoscopic splenectomy was performed without complication. The specimen was a massive spleen, measuring 24 by 18.5 by 10 cm and weighing 1400 grams. There were no complications. The case demonstrates the successful application of laparoscopy to what many surgeons would consider outside the scope of possibility given the large size of the specimen.