DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF SPLENIC ARTERY AND HEPATIC-ARTERY ANEURYSMS

The diagnosis and therapy of splenic and hepatic artery aneurysms is b esides clinical findings based on ultrasound and selective arteriograp hy. Surgical treatment depends on the exact localization of the aneury sm. Because of postsplenectomy sepsis preservation of spleen should be reached. Otherwise splenectomy with resection of the aneurysm must be performed. If the aneurysm is localized at the common hepatic artery ligation of the vessel is possible. The interposition of an autologous vein graft is the most favorable proceeding in aneurysms of proper he patic artery. Those of intrahepatic arteries should be treated just as aneurysms in high risk patients by selective percutaneous embolizatio n.