Role of splenectomy as a salvage procedure in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare but serious haematological disease for which first-line therapy is medical, but not always successful. The role of splenectomy in the management of such patients is unclear. This paper reports three patients with the condition who went into remission following splenectomy after other forms of therapy had failed. Because thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is nearly always fatal if a remission is not obtained, splenectomy should be considered in patients who prove to be resistant to medical therapy.

• Authors: A D Wells, G Majumdar, N G Slater, A E Young
• Journal: The British journal of surgery (Br J Surg) Vol. 78 Issue 11 Pg. 1389-90 (Nov 1991) ISSN: 0007-1323 [Print] England
• PMID: 1760711 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic (surgery)
• Puerperal Disorders (surgery)
• Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic (surgery, therapy)
• Splenectomy