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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Laparoscopic Splenectomy with Pericardial Devascularization for Hypersplenism and Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage Due to Portal Hypertension
Published on: November 15, 2024
Splenectomy for thrombocytopenia in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis
Paul H Hayashi1, Carlos Mehia, H Joachim Reimers
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 3635 Vista Avenue, FDT 9th Floor, St Louis, MO 63110-0250, USA. paul_hayashi@med.unc.edu
Background:
Many patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis and low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores are too early for transplant but too thrombocytopenic to treat with interferon.
Goal:
To report a case series of splenectomy to raise platelet counts so that pegylated interferon and ribavirin can be given in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis.
Methods:
Retrospective chart and computer record review.
Results:
Seven patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis (mean age=45.4+/-11.1 y, 4 men) had elective splenectomy for thrombocytopenia before pegylated interferon-alpha 2b therapy. All had thrombocytopenia contraindicating antiviral therapy. Five were Child's-Pugh Class A; 2 were B. All 7 had increases in platelet count (mean 32,400 to 222,140 /mL, P<0.01) at 221+/-151 days postsurgery. Median hospital stay and blood loss were 9 days (4 to 25) and 750 mL (100 to 2500 mL). Median platelet packs, units of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma given were 1 (0 to 7), 0 (0 to 14) and 0 (0 to 2), respectively. There were no deaths or portal vein thrombosis. One patient who was status-post liver transplantation had significant morbidity. Five completed pegylated interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin therapy; 1 is on therapy and 1 awaits initiation. Of the 5 who completed therapy, there were 2 with sustained virologic response, 1 nonresponse, 1 breakthrough, and 1 relapse.
Conclusions:
Splenectomy in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis can be done safely to allow application of antiviral treatment and potentially avoid transplantation. It may be considered in patients with Child's-Pugh A cirrhosis, no prior abdominal surgeries and with non-1 HCV viral genotype.
