Partial splenectomy in staging laparotomy for Hodgkin's disease

Partial splenectomy with resection of the lower third of the spleen was performed in three children as part of a standard staging laparotomy for Hodgkin's disease. The technique proved to be simple and safe with no post-operative complications. The ability to preserve splenic tissue and to prevent post-splenectomy sepsis in children is weighed against the probably low risk of missing solitary splenic lesions with partial splenectomy. This procedure should play a major role in the surgery of various splenic disorders in children, including Hodgkin's disease.