Laparoscopic removal of the spleen has become the preferred operation for elective spleen removal.  The surgery involves general anesthesia and 3 to 4 small incisions on the abdomen.  The smaller vessels of the spleen are sealed with a special device. The major vessels are divided with an endoscopic surgical stapling device.  The attachments of the spleen to the diaphragm are then divided.  The spleen is then placed in a bag within the abdomen where it is broken into small pieces.  The pieces of spleen are then removed through one of the laparoscopic incisions.