[Splenectomy in histiocytosis X]. / Esplenectomía en histiocitosis X.

Present concepts of histiocytosis X are reviewed and the results obtained in three patients that underwent splenectomy are described; postoperative survival is analyzed in order to evaluate the possible beneficial influence of splenectomy. One case corresponded to a female with a survival of nine years and another one a male with a survival of fifteen months; both received postoperative treatment with corticosteroids and are asymptomatic at the present time. The third case had an unfavorable evolution (he did not receive postoperative treatment). Even though present experience dose not alow to establish definitive conclusions, we must consider in the usefulness of splenectomy as a part of the treatment of histiocytosis X.