SPLENECTOMY FOR NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA

Splenomegaly is a common occurrence in the course of non-Hodgkin's lym phoma (NHL), sometimes leading to development of bulk symptoms or cyto penias. Splenomegaly may also be the primary manifestation of NHL. We reviewed our experience with diagnostic and therapeutic splenectomy fo r NHL over the past 3 years. In July of 1991, a prospective database h ad been established to evaluate elective splenectomy for hematologic d isease; of 58 patients, 12 had NHL. Splenectomy was performed for diag nostic purposes, correction of cytopenias, and relief of bulk symptoms . Most patients had more than one indication for splenectomy. Operativ e hemorrhage requiring transfusion was seen only in patients with mass ive splenomegaly (>1,500 g). Median postoperative hospital stay was 4 days. Then was no operative mortality or major morbidity. Minor morbid ity was seen in 17% of patients. A favorable hematologic response was seen in 80% of cytopenias at the 3-month postoperative interval. Splen ectomy is safe and effective in appropriately selected patients with N HL.