SUBTOTAL SPLENECTOMY FOR TREATMENT OF SEVERE SPLENIC INJURIES

Objective: The spleen is an organ of the defense system with important roles in filtering functions, phagocytosis, and immunoglobulin produc tion. Septic phenomena are severe complications that may occur after t otal splenectomy, To avoid these adverse effects, the preservation of the spleen is indicated. However, in the presence of severe spleen dam age, lesions of the splenic pedicle, or both, complete removal of the spleen has been considered unavoidable. Methods: The present paper pre sents the preservation of the upper splenic pole supplied by the splen ogastric vessels in six patients with severe injuries of the spleen an d its pedicle. Results: All patients had good postoperative courses. C onclusions: Subtotal splenectomy mag be useful in the treatment of sev ere injuries of the distal part of the spleen, when the vessels of its pedicle are damaged, or both.