[Surgical indications in isolated splenic diseases]

In clinical routine isolated diseases of spleen are rare manifestations. Absolute criteria for splenectomy are massive bleeding, malignancy, hypertrophic cysts and signs of perforation. Most other cases are relative indications for total splenectomy. Awareness of the spleen's immunological function prompted a search for other methods of management. Therefore an individual consideration on further medical treatment is necessary. Total splenectomy should withdraw from nonoperative or partial operative management of spleen diseases. By a correct preoperative diagnosis criteria should be established for selection of patients most likely to derive benefit from splenectomy.