Inclusion Criteria:  Spleen length > +2 standard deviations of normal limit Platelet count below 30-35 x 109 cells/L and a history of bleeding tendencies Symptoms of portal hypertension such as splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, ascites, esophageal or gastric varices, hypertensive gastropathy, anal hemorrhoids and increased portal scintigraphy index, where alternative methods have not been enough or suitable A necessity for reduction of splenic volume due to splenic inhibition of motion and activity in the child  Exclusion Criteria:  Age younger than 10 or older than 17 years of age Legal guardians or child do not give consent Ongoing infection