ABSTRACT
To study the haemoglobinopathies with their subsequent splenomegalic and hypersplenic symptoms and to assess the postoperative complications of splenectomy. There were 50 patients with splenic pathology operated upon in the Salmaniya Medical Centre. The symptomatology of splenomegaly and hypersplenism were evaluated in addition to the surgical indications for splenectomy; specific reference was made to splenic weight, its relation to morbidity and mortality and especially the occurrence of post-splenectomy sepsis. Haemoglobinopathies with their consequent splenomegalic and hypersplenic symptoms are a common indication for splenectomy in this part of the Arabian Gulf. Several studies have cautioned about post-splenectomy complications. The aim of this study was to assess these complications with specific reference to post-splenectomy sepsis and also to verify any relation between such complications and splenic size. Splenectomy was performed for splenomegaly and hypersplenism in 19 [38%] of the 50 patients; 17 [34%] had splenectomy because of splenic trauma and the remaining 14 [28%] because of lymphomas and/or adjuvant to other surgical procedures. The spleen weight was 840 g [range 185-2200 g]. The largest and heaviest spleens were found in patients with splenomegaly, and hypersplenism with sickle-cell disease. The mortality rate was 4% and postoperative complications were observed in 16%. There was no relation between the complication and splenic size. Our results show that these patients benefited from splenectomy, in terms of life-saving, haematological improvement and relief of discomfort and pain. These results were achieved with an acceptable mortality and morbidity