Splenectomy: follow-up of patients in the Solomon Islands.

The case histories of 19 splenectomy patients are discussed. Of these, four have died, five have had subsequent attacks of malaria, and the remainder have enjoyed good health, although only two patients have been taking regular malaria prophylaxis in this malaria endemic area. The roles of the reticulo-endothelial system and the spleen are discussed in relation to the effects of splenectomy.