[Laparotomy and splenectomy in Hodgkin's disease].

In the brief period since its introduction, this procedure has shown itself highly useful in the staging and management of Hodgkin's disease, overcoming some of the limitations of other techniques in determining the extent of involvement below the diaphragm. A bonus has been expanded knowledge of the natural history of the disorder. It is still too soon, however, to know whether surgical staging will improve prognosis.