[Splenectomy for idiopathic thrombopenic purpura. A retrospective study of 40 cases].

The authors analysed retrospectively the files of 40 patients who underwent splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and who were totally or partially (relapse) resistant to a therapeutic trial of corticosteroids. There was no operative mortality but morbidity, especially respiratory, was substantial, being 40%. Drainage of the splenic bed should be avoided because this is clearly associated with a greater frequency of pulmonary complications. In 37 patients with a mean follow-up of 30.3 months, there was complete remission in 89.2% after splenectomy. This confirms the therapeutic value of splenectomy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, especially in those who showed a partial (transitory) response to corticosteroids.