Laparoscopic Splenectomy Using a Low-pressure Pneumoperitoneum for the Treatment of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura During Pregnancy: A Case Report

We report the case of a 21-year-old pregnant woman who underwent a laparoscopic splenectomy for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) because of severe thrombocytopenia refractory to medical therapy using steroids.The operation was performed during the 24 week of pregnancy using a rigid 10-mm scope with adjustable viewing angles and limiting the abdominal insufflation pressure to 8 mmHg.The operating time was 204 minutes,and the amount of intraoperative blood loss was 200 mL.Her postoperative course was uneventful,and her platelet count rapidly increased postoperatively.No additional treatments were required.Shinshu Med J 62 : 441―446, 2014 (Received for publication May 14,2014;accepted in revised form August 1,2014)