Objective: To study the outcome of open and laparoscopic splenectomy for haematological diseases in terms of quality of life and haematological measures.
Design: Prospective non-randomised study.
Setting: Tertiary care hospital, USA.
Participants: 44 patients, 27 treated laparoscopically and 17 by open splenectomy.
Main outcome measures: Quality of life judged by the SF-36 and adequacy of control of the haematological disease.
Results: Both quality of life and haematological disease were significantly improved by operation; laparoscopically treated patients had less pain.
Conclusion: In properly selected patients laparoscopic splenectomy is preferable to open splenectomy.