**Core Concept**
Splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the spleen, often performed in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who have failed medical therapy. The spleen is a major site of platelet destruction in ITP, and its removal can significantly increase platelet counts.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
During splenectomy, platelet infusion is given to prevent thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) due to the release of platelets from the spleen into the circulation as a result of surgical manipulation. This phenomenon is known as the **spleen squeeze effect**. The infused platelets can help maintain a safe platelet count during the surgery, reducing the risk of bleeding complications.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because platelet infusion is not a substitute for splenectomy in treating ITP. While platelet transfusions can temporarily increase platelet counts, they do not address the underlying immune-mediated platelet destruction.

**Option B:** This option is incorrect because platelet infusion is not a routine part of the surgical preparation for splenectomy in ITP patients. However, it may be considered in specific situations, such as in patients with severe thrombocytopenia or those at high risk of bleeding.

**Option C:** This option is incorrect because platelet infusion is not a direct consequence of splenectomy in ITP. While splenectomy can increase platelet counts, platelet infusion is not a necessary step in the surgical procedure.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In patients undergoing splenectomy for ITP, platelet counts may transiently decrease due to the spleen squeeze effect, emphasizing the need for platelet infusion to maintain a safe platelet count during surgery.

**Correct Answer: B. Platelet infusion is given to prevent thrombocytopenia due to the spleen squeeze effect during splenectomy in ITP.**