ObjectiveTo study the results of splenectomy in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. MethodsSeven patients who failed to respond to conservative management were treated with splenectomy and followed up for 6 months to 8 years (1990～1999).ResultsThe presplenectomy patients had symptoms of bleeding and their platelet count on average was 32×109/L. The 3th,7th day and 1th,2th, 6th month after splenectomy, the average platelet count was 191×109/L,354×109/L,317×109/L,200×109/L and 151×109/L respectively. Their platelet recovered to normal during a week in 7 cases (≥100×109/L); In 6 patients the platelet count was normal in the 6th month after splenectomy, the success rate was 6/7, the rate of remission was 1/6. The platelet count after splenectomy was significantly higher than that before splenectomy.ConclusionThere are no correlation between the course of disease before splenectomy and the results of splenectomy. Splenectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.