However, other groups could not confirm this result. After the blood vessels are tied, the spleen is encased in a bag and ground up so that it can be removed through the small opening. Laparascopic surgery is associated with less post-operative side effects and a shorter recovery period. The platelet count increases rapidly after surgery with normal counts appearing within 2 weeks in most responding patients. Youth, a short disease duration and an increase in the platelet count to greater than 400-600,000 after surgery are good prognostic signs.
Surgical mortality is extremely low and is primarily due to the risk of anesthesia.
Wound infection, post-operative bleeding, pneumonia, etc. All patients who relapse after surgery should be evaluated for an accessory spleen. If present, these should be removed unless there is some medical reason that prevents surgery. Anti-D Antibody Treatment. A recent study suggests that anti-D antibody therapy may be useful in preventing the need for splenectomy in some patients.