Splenectomy

Does having your spleen removed stop platelet loss?

Sometimes.
www.pdsa.org/treatments/conventional/splenectomy.html

The chances of success are greater if you are younger.

Splenectomy is not a cure. It is a treatment that may or may not work. Many ITP specialists are not even recommending it any more due to the fact that it so often fails and can cause other problems such as sepsis or blood clots.

Here are two good videos to watch:

fhs.mcmaster.ca/medicine/hematology/ITP-2010/player.html

www.onclive.com/insights-archive/immune-thrombocytopenia/risk-of-thrombosis-in-patients-with-itp

Joseph0241 wrote: Does having your spleen removed stop platelet loss?

Nope. I sure wish it did, because I had a splenectomy for my ITP when I was 9 (I'm now in my 40s). That's pretty much what they did back then, but I would really love to go and get my spleen back! The older I get, the more concerned I am about infections running amok or clotting problems. I still have to manage the same 'ol ITP as well.

Good luck researching the issues with splenectomy.

Before even considering a splenectomy (which I refuse post blank to do) the site of platelet destruction needs determining by an indium scan, which over here in the UK is available but not sure about the US

Not available in the US.

I find it absolutely staggering that such a simple test is not available in the US

Don't think it's available here in Canada either! Would have been nice back in /06 to be tested before going the splenectomy route!

mrsb04 wrote: I find it absolutely staggering that such a simple test is not available in the US

I agree, but I think it has to do with cost. When you really think about it, the Indium does not predict splenectomy success; it can predict failures though. Showing that platelets predominately sequester in the spleen does not guarantee a good splenectomy outcome. It can show a success percentage, and the splenectomy can still fail. If the Indium shows that platelets predominately sequester in the liver, the patients are more likely to refuse splenectomy. Of course I would want that knowledge before agreeing to have the surgery because it can save spleens. Insurance companies don't care about that.

I totally agree Sandi which is why I requested one. Mine did show no hepatic involvement but I'm still not parting with my perfectly healthy spleen. In my opinion the risks outweigh the possible benefits.

I felt the same way and didn't have one either.

Whether to remove the spleen is your choice.

Like any other treatment you need to consider:
your lifestyle, (work, play)
Platelet count,
Symptoms without treatment,
treatment options,
Short term side effects,
Long term side effects,

Then ask yourself this question: What if it doesn't work??

Once you are able to answer all them then you can make a well informed decision. At that point what ever you decide will be right for you.