SummaryThe value of laparotomy with splenectomy was proved in 52 of 76 patients laparotomized. This surgical approach resulted in a modification of the instituted treatment in all operated patients. The proposed surgical approach is recommended in patients with a haematosarcoma in whom an abdominal localization has already been demonstrated, in lymphoma patients who have undergone a course of treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, in patients with disturbed tests indicative of the inflammatory function as well as in all Hodgkin patients in stage IV excluding the extra-abdominal localizations.