Partial splenectomy is an alternative to total splenctomy for the treatment of children with hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and other congenital hemolytic anemias. Total splenectomy effectively controls the symptoms of the disease, but places children at risk for overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis (OPSI), as well as other severe complications. A growing body of data suggests that partial splenectomy provides acceptable hematological outcomes compared with total splenectomy while preserving splenic function. In this article we briefly review the rationale for partial splenectomy, parameters to evaluate splenic function, and recent clinical data on outcomes after partial splenectomy. Although many questions remain regarding the role of partial splenectomy, it may be a promising alternative to total splenectomy in children with HS and other congential hemolytic anemias.
Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy with Distal Pancreatectomy Preserves Splenic Function