Disorders of the Spleen

Splenectomy is indicated for a number of different conditions in children, including trauma, immune thrombocytosis purpura, cysts, and a variety of hemolytic anemias. The operation can usually be done laparoscopically, and in some cases partial splenectomy may be appropriate. Perioperative considerations are determined by the underlying disease. Because of the long-term risk of post-splenectomy sepsis, children undergoing splenectomy should be immunized against encapsulated organisms and should receive prophylactic antibiotics pos-operatively.