title: [Diagnostic and therapeutic importance of splenectomy in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma].
abstract: Whereas the contribution of exploratory laparotomy in Hodgkin's disease is well characterized, its value in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is not yet defined. This retrospective analysis of 31 cases is a contribution to the ongoing discussion. Laparotomy/splenectomy (LS) was done in 17 patients for diagnostic reasons and in 14 with therapeutic intent. Perioperative morbidity was low. In 17 cases the NHL had infiltrated the spleen. Indications for therapeutic LS were hemolytic anemia, pancytopenia and excessive lymphocytosis with granulocytopenia. The therapeutic benefit from splenectomy was satisfactory, especially in patients with well-differentiated lymphocytic leukemia of type CLL. In contrast, the diagnostic value of LS was minimal, except in patients with first diagnosis of NHL through LS. There was no change in tumor stage in any case. However, 4 false-negative findings contrast with the rapidly adverse course in these patients. Routine LS in patients with NHL does not appear to be justified, but has its value in NHL with primary abdominal localization. Therapeutic splenectomy is of benefit for the majority of patients, particularly those with CLL.
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000628:therapy; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013156:Splenectomy
vernacular_title: Diagnostische und therapeutische Bedeutung der Splenektomie bei Patienten mit Non-Hodgkin-Lymphomen.