Objective To investigate the effect of splenectomy on autoimmune hepatitis complicated with cirrhosis and hypersplenism.Methods Nine cases of autoimmune hepatitis complicated withcirrhosis and hypersplenism were treated with splenectomy and periesophagogastric devascularization.Results All patients recovered well.Their liver functions recovered to the preoperative level within twoweeks after operation.No significant differences were found between preoperative and postoperative levelsof transaminase and bilirubin(P >0.05).The count of leukocyte and platelet rose to the normal level andthere were significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative levels(P <0.05).Patients'symptoms of hypersplenism were corrected and their coagulation function improved significantly (P <0.05).Conclusion In patients with autoimmune hepatitis complicated with cirrhosis and hypersplenism,splenectomy with periesophagogastric devascularization is an effective procedure for improving hypersplenism,enhancing blood coagulation,and reducing bleeding.