In 1991. Delaitre and Maignien1 performed the first splenectomy with a laparoscope. Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is now an accepted altative to open splenectomy, but questions still remain, such as the appropriate manner in which to position the patient, the best means of assuring hemostasis, and whether LS can be performed in cases of splenomegaly. 2 From the perspective of a developing nation, such as China, the Endo-stapler and commercial extraction bags have inhibited the use of LS for reasons of expense. 3 Here, we report our 12-year experience in performing LS on 87 patients to determine the most optimal approach.