[Splenectomy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura]

Personal experience of 21 patients treated with splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is reported. After a brief review of the pathogenesis and prognostic factors of the disease, the paper stresses the therapeutic role of surgery and the careful exploration of the abdomen required to prevent any recurrence of the disease.