SURGERY IN CHILDREN WITH HOMOZYGOUS SICKLE-CELL ANEMIA

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 61  (1) , 55-58
Abstract
During 1952-1977, 31 surgical procedures were performed on children aged up to 16 years with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Six emergency operations were performed, all for complications of SCA indistinguishable from the acute surgical conditions they micmicked. Minor operations (17) were well tolerated and major surgery was undertaken 8 times, including 5 splenectomies for hypersplenism and increased transfusion requirements. The preparation for surgery by planned multiple transfusions and the indications for splenectomy were discussed. Recommendations were made for the preparation of patients for acute and routine surgery.