The role of splenectomy in cadaveric renal transplantation

We analyzed 50 consecutive cadaver renal transplants to ascertain what benefit, if any, accrued from pretransplantation splenectomy. Because antithymocyte globulin was administered in a random fashion to some patients, its effects were also analyzed. Recipient modification with either modality enhanced graft survival in first transplants when compared to no modification (splenectomy versus no modification 62 versus 27%, p = 0.06; ATG versus modification 75 versus 27%, p = 0.01). The collective experience with splenectomy, its rationale, and its complications are discussed.