Surgical pathology of the spleen

The indications for splenectomy in haematological and myeloproliferative disorders are now wider than before. An increased understanding of the concept of hypersplenism and a developing appreciation of the value of splenectomy in chronic leukaemia has been partially responsible for the increase. The principal factor, however, has been the advent of routine splenectomy as an integral part of the diagnostic process in Hodgkin's disease. This paper discusses these indications and their surgical pathology.