[Current value of diagnostic laparatomy with splenectomy in Hodgkin's disease (critical evaluation of 188 cases)].

Diagnostic laparotomy with splenectomy was performed in 188 patients with Hodgkin's disease. Preoperative assessment by means of conventional methods of examination was confirmed in 118 cases (62.9%) and had to be modified in the remainder. Post-operative complications were observed in 12 cases (6.5%). One subject died of myocardial infarct. It is felt that the procedure is useful in establishing the stage of the disease and in planning treatment. It must not be applied indiscriminately, however, and is primarily useful insofar as it results in a modification of the therapeutic programme.