Introduction: Splenectomy is an effective treatment for chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura with a reported response rate ranging from 60 to 90%. In patients that do not respond to splenectomy, the presence of a functioning accessory spleen should be investigated and excluded. A reoperation for accessory spleen removal is burdened by a difficult dissection, increased rate of complications and a high rate of failure.

Methods: We present a new technique to facilitate the localization of the accessory spleen, reduce the difficulty of the dissection and minimize the rate of complications.

Results: One patient that had previously undergone splenectomy for trauma underwent wire needle localization of the accessory spleen. The accessory spleen was easily identified and the patient was able to go home the day after the procedure.

Conclusion: Using wire needle preoperative insertion to localize accessory spleen is a safe and effective treatment for treatment of recurrent immune thrombocytopenic purpura.