What Is Purpura?
9. Splenectomy
If medication is not working then a splenectomy may be recommended, which involves the complete removal of the spleen. This is because one of the spleen’s functions is to destroy platelets, so removing the organ will likely increase the patient’s blood platelet count.
The spleen is not an essential organ and we can live fine without it. However, doctors will usually try and avoid invasive surgery where possible due to potential complications. Such complications include the risk of infection from the procedure. The patient will also lose permanently some of their ability to fight infections. There is also no guarantee that the procedure will even be effective.
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