PERCUTANEOUS DRAINAGE OF SUBCAPSULAR SPLENIC HEMATOMA - AN EXPERIMENTAL-MODEL IN DOGS

Preservation of the spleen in patients with posttraumatic subcapsular hematoma is still controversial. To determine the best therapeutic app roach for this type of splenic injury, we designed an experimental mod el of subcapsular hematoma of the spleen in dogs. A total of 23 subcap sular hematomas were caused in 19 dogs, which were followed both clini cally and ultrasonographically for 12 weeks. Fifty-seven per cent of t he hematomas resolved spontaneously; those that persisted (43%) were a spirated percutaneously with ultrasound guidance, after which they wer e all resolved. Our results support a conservative approach. When the hematoma does not resolve spontaneously, percutaneous ultrasound-guide d aspiration may be considered.