SPLENECTOMY FOR HEMATOLOGY DISEASE IN PAT IENTS OVER 70 - A REPORT OF38 CASES

A retrospective series of 38 splenectomies performed in patients over 70 for haematology diseases is reporte. There were no post-operative d eaths an 8 patients (21 %) had complications which resolved favourably . Paradoxically, mortality and morbidity were lower in elderly patient s althought the difference was not statistically significant. No facto r predictive of post-operative outcome was found. It was concluded tha t age is not a contraindication although the clinical situation is a p redominant factor in patient selection.