CONDITIONS
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), also known as immune thrombocytopenia, primary immune thrombocytopenia, primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura or autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. This condition is defined as unusually low levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia) with normal bone marrow and the absence of other causes of thrombocytopenia.
It is a bleeding disorder that can lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. ITP is an autoimmune condition with antibodies detectable against several platelet surface antigens. ITP is diagnosed by a low platelet count in a complete blood count (a common blood test). This allows your doctor to check the amount, sizes and shapes of the cells in your blood. However, since the diagnosis depends on the exclusion of other causes of a low platelet count, additional investigations (such as a bone marrow biopsy) may be necessary in some cases. It can be acute or chronic.
In mild cases, only careful observation may be required but very low counts or significant bleeding may prompt treatment with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, anti-D immunoglobulin, or immunosuppressive drugs. Refractory ITP (not responsive to conventional treatment) may require splenectomy, the surgical removal of the spleen. Platelet transfusions may be used in severe bleeding together with a very low count. Sometimes the body may compensate by making abnormally large platelets.
As noted in the introduction, the use of splenectomy to treat ITP has diminished since the development of steroid therapy and other pharmaceutical remedies.
Hospital
Operating from the new state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary facility equipped with only the most advanced medical technology,
Equipment
As one of only two such robots in the Western Cape, Dr Kavin operates from a hospital boasting Robotic Surgery capabilities,
Technique
As a surgeon with adept skill in minimally invasive techniques, Dr Kavin opts for laparoscopic keyhole surgery whenever possible.
Expertise
Dr Bruce Kavin is a General Surgeon with particular expertise in Endocrine, Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Surgery and Surgical Oncology.
