[Treatment of hematologic disorders in children by splenic artery ligation (author's transl)].

Because of the risk of overwhelming sepsis following splenectomy, and since it is possible to reduce the splenic function while preserving the spleen, the treatment of various hematologic disorders by splenic artery ligation has been attempted in 11 children, among whom 3 under 5 years of age. 3 patients had thalassemia, 4 had hereditary spherocytosis and 4 others suffered from secondary hypersplenism. One patient died of overlooked splenic necrosis. The other patients are well, with an average follow-up of 19 mo. The aim of this study is to find out whether the desarterization produces the expected results and is well tolerated and whether the desarterialized spleen still preserves its ability to protect the host against infection. The satisfactory treatment of hereditary spherocytosis and secondary hypersplenism would indicate that splenic artery ligation offers an alternative to splenectomy, especially in children under 5 year old.