[Splenectomy in children; indications and surgical aspects].

- There are no hard indications for splenectomy in children. - The single most generally accepted indication is the more severe form of congenital spherocytosis. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura is only an indication if there is a severe bleeding tendency. - Other than local conditions involving the spleen, there seem to be no good indications for partial splenectomy. - Ablation by means of embolisation has not gained popularity. - Laparoscopic splenectomy appears to be better than splenectomy via laparotomy, but sound scientific evidence for this is not yet available. - There appears to be an increased incidence of portal vein thrombosis immediately after splenectomy. - The value of thrombosis prophylaxis has not yet been investigated.