Is splenic salvage safe in the traumatized patient?
A. E. Giuliano and R. C. Lim Jr
Thirty-three patients with splenic injuries were treated with splenic
salvage techniques. These patients were seriously injured trauma victims,
often with multiple organ system damage. Hemostasis of the spleen was
achieved with topical agents in 26 patients. Six patients required suture
repair, with one hemisplenectomy. The postoperative complication rate was
37%; however, none of the complications could be attributed to the splenic
repair. No patient required reoperation for control of bleeding. There were
no subphrenic abscesses, and delayed rupture of the spleen could not be
established. Splenic salvage can be done safely in selected patients. Young
patients, those with isolated splenic injuries, and those in whom the
repair will not unduly complicate the operation should be considered for
this procedure.