Splenectomy in a rural surgical practice

We reviewed the clinical presentation and indications for splenectomy in a rural community in Southern Nigeria from January 1988 - December, 2000, a period of 12 years. A total of 17 cases were seen. Twelve (70.6%) were for big spleens due to sickle-cell anaemia, tropical splenomegaly syndrome, malignancy and 5 (29.4%) were due to trauma from road traffic injuries. Anaemia was a common feature in all the cases. Patients were followed up for 18 months but all those suspected to have malignancies died within eight months of surgery. Diseased spleen is commonly seen in rural community, its management in the face of limited facilities could be tasking, but some modicum of treatment has to be offered those who may not be able to honour a referral. It is the surgical treatment thus offered that is being shared in this review.