[mscrzy1]

Here is a great website for you to read about splenectomies for ITP. I've posted a few quotes from the website for you.

http://http://www.pdsa.org/itp-treat...lenectomy.html

Here's your answer as to hearing about splenectomy as a means of treatment for ITP:

Splenectomies have been used to treat ITP since 1913. The published success rates are about 60% for long term remission, although the measurement criteria for success and the definition of remission are not standardized in the studies. Splenectomized patients are at an increased risk for infections. As the time since splenectomy increases, the positive response to the procedure decreases.

Here is describing in scientific lingo what I was trying to explain about the spleen's function in autoimmune issues dealing with the blood, but specific to ITP.

ITP occurs when antibodies bind to platelets resulting in their clearance from circulation. In some instances, the antibodies may develop following an infection. Sometimes, antigen-antibody complexes adhere to platelets nonspecifically. In other cases, antiplatelet antibodies are autoantibodies. Why the antiplatelet antibodies develop is not entirely clear; however, some investigators have suggested that defects in T-cells may be involved. Alternatively, elimination of self-reactive B cells resulting in the production of autoantibodies may be involved. No matter what the mechanism, the close proximity of the B and T cells of the spleen to the circulating blood allows for exposure of platelet antigens to the immune system. This creates a continual immune response reaction resulting in the constant production of antiplatelet antibodies. These antibodies can attach to their platelet-specific antigens as the blood goes through the spleen and thus destroy the platelets. Therefore, the spleen fulfills a dual role in ITP: production of antiplatelet antibodies and removal of platelets from circulation.