Question: My doctors say I have a low platelet count and they want to remove my spleen to correct this condition. Is this necessary and what are the drawbacks?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
A splenectomy is the surgical procedure where the spleen is removed. The spleen plays a part in maintaining a healthy immune system and cleans the blood of foreign matter. It helps eliminate the platelets that have antibodies bound to them. Theoretically, if the spleen is removed, the platelets will stay in the bloodstream. Splenectomies have been used to treat low counts for a condition called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The published success rates are about 60 percent for long term remission, although the measurement criteria for success and the definition of remission are not standardized in published scientific studies. Splenectomized patients are at an increased risk for infections. It is important for patients who have had a splenectomy to discuss a treatment plan with their doctors in case they develop a fever.
There are two types of splenectomies, laproscopic and open. The laproscopic splenectomy is becoming more popular since the healing time is reduced and it has the same rate of success as the open spelenctomy. About ten percent of the population develops an accessory (extra) spleen. Occasionally a second surgery is required if a patient develops one of these.