Objective   To evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of amputation in situ secondary braches of splenic pedicle for laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in patients of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).    Methods   LS was performed in 41 ITP patients hospitalized in our department from January 2007 to November 2008 by dissecting secondary braches of splenic pedicle. The serosa on the spleen pedicle was opened by using a harmonic scalpel. Then secondary structures of the splenic arteries and veins

one by one

were disconnected from downward to upward

and then double ligated with the Hem-O-lok clips. The ligated section was cut off with the harmonic scalpe1

and then the spleen was resected.    Results   LS was successfully completed with no conversion to open surgery in all the 41 cases. The operative time was 75 to 180 min，and the estimated intra-operative blood loss was 50 to 800 ml．There were 3 cases of vice spleen and the vice spleen removed. Two cases were converted to traditional LS with Endo-GIA. The period of hospitalization was 4 to 9 d after operation. There was no severe postoperative complication. Platelet counts began to increase significantly after operation

reached to the peak in 5 to 7 d after operation. During the follow-up of 3 to 20 months to all 41 ITP patients

the total effective rate was 85.4% (35/41

including 22 cases of complete response and 13 cases of partial response).    Conclusion   LS with amputation in situ secondary braches of splenic pedicle is a safe

effective

minimally invasive and low complication in treatment of ITP. It is worth be recommended because of its lower costs in comparison with common LS.