Laparoscopic‐assisted splenectomy in a horse with splenomegaly

This reports describes the surgical management of a horse evaluated for recurrent colic. These frequent colic episodes were attributed by exclusion to an abnormally enlarged spleen (idiopathic splenomegaly). Splenectomy was elected and performed with a laparoscopic assisted technique. The advantages observed by using this surgical approach were a clear view of the visceral aspect of the spleen and consequently an accurate dissection of the hilus of the spleen and associated vasculature. Ultimately the laparoscopic technique allowed the surgeons to reduce the size of the laparotomy incision required to remove the spleen and the overall invasiveness of the procedure. The horse recovered well from the procedure and ultimately returned to the previous level of competitiveness.