Step 1: Immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura is caused by autoantibodies against platelet surface glycoproteins. The spleen is both the major site of antibody coated platelet destruction and a major source of the autoantibody. Step 2: First line therapy is medical (corticosteroids, IV immunoglobulin), but in chronic or refractory ITP the definitive treatment is splenectomy. Step 3: Removing the spleen takes away both the main site of platelet destruction and a key source of autoantibody synthesis, which restores the platelet count in a large proportion of patients. Step 4: Blood transfusion, waiting for spontaneous recovery, and simple IV infusion are not the definitive treatment of chronic ITP, so they are wrong. Splenectomy is correct.