Results of Splenectomy in Hematologic Disease

Introduction

Prediction of success following splenectomy in the treatment of hematologic disease is fraught with uncertainty in all but hereditary spherocytosis in which splenectomy is curative. Careful hematologic evaluation, however, allows us to predict, with considerable accuracy, the results to be expected from splenectomy in several other disease states. Furthermore, recent developments have made it possible to perform the operation more safely in poor risk patients, and steroids have in other instances supplanted the need for splenectomy. We are presenting a review of our experiences with splenectomy in 53 patients representing a fair cross-section of hematologic disorders.

Material

Between December, 1946, and July, 1962, fifty-three patients with hematologic disease have been studied at the Rockwood Clinic and subjected to splenectomy. We have arbitrarily divided patients into two groups. Group 1 is made up of those in whom a satisfactory result from splenectomy is tobe anticipated (Table 1). Included were