Partial splenectomy in children with sickle cell disease and repeated episodes of splenic sequestration.

Twenty-five children with sickle cell disease and repeated episodes of splenic sequestration crises underwent partial splenectomy. They have been followed for 12 to 75 months (median 48 months) after surgery. During this period we have not observed any episode of splenic sequestration and the need for hospitalization and transfusions has been greatly reduced. We believe this is a useful and safe procedure for treating patients with this condition.