Surgical complications in Henoch-Schönlein Purpura in childhood.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a medical disorder of unknown aetiology. Surgical problems may develop in some patients. Intussusception, perforation and necrosis may occur. In the present study 186 patients with HSP were investigated for surgical complications between 1977-1986 at the Izmir Children's Hospital. Surgical complications encountered in our series were intussusception (ileo-ileal 4, ileocolic 1), acute appendicitis (1), medically treated ileus (1). Operation had no added risk for the patients. The patient with HSP should be followed up in case of an abdominal emergency, intervention in time may be life-saving.