Abstract

Splenectomy has been carried out for anaemia on 104 patients suffering from haematological disease. The mortality was 3 per cent. The indications for this operation are considered and the predictive value of estimations of splenic red cell destruction, splenic red cell pooling, and the plasma volume have been examined. None of these tests gives an unequivocal prediction but are of value in reaching a decision. Removal of a splenic site of red cell destruction and a reduction in plasma volume appear to be associated with post-operative haematological improvement. However, the changes in plasma volume seen after splenectomy are usually only temporary and revert slowly over several years.

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