Haematological splenectomy. Changing indications and complications.

Review of splenectomies carried out for haematological disease over a ten-year period, at a district hospital, shows that the indications for splenectomy have changed substantially over this time. Fewer patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura now require splenectomy, however its role in the management of lymphoproliferative disorders has expanded. Splenectomy remains an important therapeutic option for a range of haematological disorders: this series shows it to be a safe and effective operation in selected patients, although it is not without both short and long-term sequelae.