Introduction

The majority of conditions for which elective splenectomy is performed in children have in common the risks associated with inappropriate destruction of red cells leading to anemia and the need for red cell transfusions. These patient populations are managed primarily by pediatricians and hematologists and decisions regarding the need for and timing of splenectomy take into account a number of factors including age, immunologic maturity, growth maintenance, severity of symptoms, frequency of need for transfusions and spleen size.

see also Splenic Disorders

Content in this topic is referenced in SCORE Splenic Diseases overviewHematologic Diseases: Spherocytosis, Sickle Cell, ITP, HSP overview