Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders due to the reduction or absence of globin chain synthesis which can cause hemolytic anemia. β-thalassemia major is a severe type of thalassemia, in which patients require lifelong transfusions for survival. Extravascular hemolysis on the spleen results in splenomegaly, meanwhile, extramedullary hematopoiesis causing hypersplenism to develop in beta-thalassemia major patients. Hypersplenism, symptomatic splenomegaly, and increased annual need for blood transfusion in thalassemia patients are indicators of splenectomy. However, aside from the benefit of splenectomy which may reduce the need for transfusion in people with thalassemia with the goal of reducing iron overload, it may also be linked to several major negative effects that may outweigh any benefits, such as postoperative infections with high mortality rate and thrombotic events.

Splenectomy

?-Thalassemia Major

Infection

Iron overload