Splenectomy in massive tropical splenomegaly: two-to six-year follow-up in 14 patients

Between 1978 and 1982, 14 patients underwent splenectomy for disabling massive splenomegaly at the Regency Hospital in Wamena in the highlands of Irian Jaya, Indonesia. All patients were clinically diagnosed as having tropical splenomegaly syndrome (hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly), but in no case was the diagnosis confirmed. In May 1984 nurses and physicians caring for these 14 patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding the patients' conditions. Two to 6 years after splenectomy, 8 of the 14 patients were alive and able to work; at least 6 of the 8 at normal or near normal capacity. One patient died 4 days after surgery and 5 died from 2 to 20 months after surgery. We conclude that splenectomy is beneficial for some highly selected patients with the clinical diagnosis of tropical splenomegaly syndrome.