Laparoscopic splenectomy--a report of two cases.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for haematological diseases has recently attracted much attention and hailed as a viable alternative to traditional splenectomy using the laparotomy route. We report two cases of laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; the first of such procedures performed in Brunei. There was reduced post-operative pain, earlier return of gastrointestinal function and a reduced post-operative hospital stay.