THE ROLE OF SURGERY IN HOMOZYGOUS β-THALASSAEMIA
Abstract
Background: Various Strategies are adopted for the control and management of thalassaemia. Despite advances in themedical management of thalassaemia there remains a definite place for splenectomy in the management ofthalassaemia, particularly in a developing country like Pakistan. Methods: The Surgical aspects of the management ofpatients with homozygous (3-thalassaemia are reviewed, and operative findings in 15 patients with the disease whowere subjected to splenectomy are described. Results: Post-operatively frequency of blood transfusion was reducedfor maintaining the haemoglobin level, due to decreased blood consumption. The age range was from 12-13 years.Hepatomegaly was present in all the cases. In 73 percent cases hyperplastic lymph nodes containing erythropoieticelements were found. Cholelithiasis was seen in only one case. The recovery' was smooth in 10 (67%) cases. Woundinfection developed in 2 cases. Pneumonia occurred in only one case. Two patients developed fever and one itemswhich responded to conservative treatment.References
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