The spleen and splenectomy.

The present knowledge of splenic function is summarised chiefly from the point of view of the complications attendant on total splenectomy. The chief complication is overwhelming sepsis with rapid onset leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation and death. This may happen shortly after the surgical procedure or may take place after many years, even as long as 25 years. In the light of present views, it is concluded that there are few legitimate indications for splenectomy and these are listed together with points for further consideration in each patient. Even then, some splenic tissue should be preserved and the methods to achieve this are discussed.