Role of splenectomy in hematologic disorders

There has been an increase in the indications for splenectomy for hematologic diseases. It is a consequence of expanding the list of disorders and liberalizing the indications for splenectomy for many diseases. Hereditary spherocytosis is the most frequently encountered congenital anemia for which splenectomy is curative. Splenectomy is generally advised for warm antibody acquired hemolytic anemia if conventional medical therapy fails. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) remains the most common hematologic disorder for which splenectomy is therapeutic. A variety of thrombocytopenias are improved by splenectomy. The myeloproliferative disorders constitute a spectrum of disease potentially improved by splenectomy, but preoperative management should be modified in this group. Splenectomy in patients with chronic leukemias and lymphomas are often palliative and facilitate chemotherapy. There are no specific requirements preoperatively other than the administration of pneumococcal and Hemophilus influenzae vaccines. Platelets are not administered to patients with ITP. An integral part of the procedure is the search for accessory spleens. The postoperative complication of overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis must be considered; it occurs more frequently in association with specific basic diseases and can be obviated by appropriate treatment.