[Laparotomy and splenectomy in Hodgkin's disease]

Explorative laparotomy and splenectomy represents the most accurate methode to recognize a lymphogranulomatous process below the diaphragm. The demonstration or exclusion of a subdiaphragmatic propagation of disease plays an essential role in therapy. Since 1973 we have performed explorative laparotomy and splenectomy in stage (I) II-III a of Hodgkin's disease. In the course of this invasive diagnostic procedures (39 primary and 12 reassessing laparotomies and splenectomies) no case of death and no persisting postoperative complications were noticed. Clinical staging was altered in 47% of cases by the procedure but in only one quarter of patients this result influenced therapeutic regimen.