title: Decision-making in surgery: splenectomy.
abstract: Interest in splenectomy is topical because of the need to develop protocols for the prevention of overwhelming systemic infections postsplenectomy. Partial splenectomy is possible in only a few patients undergoing splenectomy for trauma. In haematological disorders, total splenectomy is mandatory. All patients who have had a total splenectomy will require vaccination and antibiotic prophylaxis.
authors.affiliation: London Hospital Medical College.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D003657:Decision Making; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D010535:Laparoscopy; D018579:Patient Selection; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D014611:Vaccination