Exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy in the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease in children.

Thirty-three children with histologically proved Hodgkin's disease underwent exploratory laparotomy with splenectomy and biopsy of lumbar lymph nodes, liver, and bone marrow. In 13 patients (39%) the lesion of spleen and/or splenic hilar lymph nodes was diagnosed. The involvement of spleen was mostly found in patients with mixed cellularity type, in the presence of systemic symptoms ("B"), and in the biological stage "b." Involvement of the liver was found in 1 patient, of the hepatic hilar lymph nodes in 3 patients, and of the bone marrow in 4 patients. The lymphographic and histologic data as regards lumbar lymph nodes coincided in 65% of cases. After operation the stage of the disease was changed in 48% patients. The early and late complications were not numerous.