Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Improved Using Splenectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review

A 62-year-old male was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 1994. Following this diagnosis he was treated with chlorambucil. In May 1999, he was found to have refractory anemia and thrombocytopenia, unresponsive to conventional chemotherapy and repeated transfusions. A splenectomy was performed that greatly improved his general condition. His Rai stage dramatically improved from stage IV to stage 0 post-operatively. He did not require any further transfusions and has remained stable for more than 2 years after the splenectomy. The role of splenectomy in patients with advanced stage CLL is discussed.