[Diagnostic laparoscopy in hematologic patients].

The authors analyze indications, technique and results of 143 laparoscopies in blood diseases and diseases with hematological symptoms; evidence obtained at combined and separate hepatic and splenic biopsies (55, 84 and 1 patients, respectively). Trepan biopsy was preferred to other biopsies. The technique proposed by the authors is complications safe even in patients with serious hemostatic disorders.

[Emergency laparoscopy in hematology practice].

Outcomes of urgent laparoscopy performed in 31 patients with various hematological diseases were favourable in spite of serious condition of the patients and apparent hemorrhagic syndrome. No laparoscopy-related complications were registered. Due to endoscopic investigation surgical intervention was rejected as unjustified in half of the examinees, 11 operations were performed just in time.

[Dynamics of iron metabolism in patients with homozygotic beta-thalassemia after splenectomy].

Iron metabolism was followed up in patients with homozygotic beta-thalassemia after 6 to 18 months, 2-3 years, and 4 to 12 years after splenectomy. Iron reserves of the body were found gradually increasing with time, this being expressed in very high values of serum and red cell ferritins and serum iron. Noteworthy is also an increase of circulating immune complex levels and appearance of a "free" pool of iron.

[Thoracic approach for splenectomy in hematologic patients].

The article discusses the advantages of the thoracic approach in splenectomy in hematological patients. The high operative risk in patients with a marked hemorrhagic syndrome, and particularly, in the development of the Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, is emphasized. An abdominal approach fails to ensure a safe operation in these patients.

[Splenectomy in hematology: indications, hazards and alternatives to surgical intervention].

The author reviews pathological function of the spleen in the development and course of blood system diseases. Provides evidence for indications for that function suppression by means of surgical splenectomy and embolization of the splenic artery. Describes the experience gained with over 2,000 splenectomies and 145 embolizations of the spleen.

[Surgical aspects of the treatment of hematologic diseases].

The relationship between haemopoietic diseases and splenic pathology has been analyzed. Indications to suppression of the abnormal splenic function using splenectomy and splenic embolism have been established from the experience of 2000 splenectomies and 116 splenic embolism. Fundamentals of splenectomies indications in various haemopoietic diseases are formulated.

[Intravascular occlusion of the splenic artery--a new method of treating hypoplastic anemia].

The paper is concerned with the results of embolization of the splenic artery in 30 patients with hypoplastic anemia. Two methods of occlusion of the splenic artery have been considered: one-stage total and two-stage embolization of the splenic artery. The results obtained indicated the efficacy of this therapeutic method; immediate and long-term results of embolization of the splenic artery did not differ from those following operation.