Incidental splenectomy: early and late postoperative complications.

Of 542 splenectomies performed from 1964 to 1977, 242 were incidental to gastrointestinal surgery. The highest rate of complications was observed in these patients as opposed to those who underwent splenectomy for trauma or Hodgkin's disease. Eighteen laboratory studies did not show significant changes 1.5 to 10 years postoperatively in 96 patients. Ninety-three patients questioned because of late symptoms had the highest rate of complaints after incidental splenectomy.