Clinical manifestations of splenic abscess.

Two patients with splenic abscess were successfully treated. In one patient, Streptococcus viridans, possibly arising in a dental abscess, led to inflammatory left upper quadrant signs. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, and the spleen, being found enlarged, was removed. The other patient showed no peritoneal signs. Laparotomy was done for pyrexia of unknown origin, and the removal of a normal-sized spleen was elected on the suspicion of lymphosarcoma. The spleen was abscessed, apparently because of old infarcts. A high index of suspicion is important in diagnosis, and selective angiography, not used in these two patients, is recommended.     

成人外伤性脾破裂非手术治疗55例分析

目的对非手术治疗外伤性脾破裂进行临床分析，为外伤性脾破裂临床治疗方法的选择提供初步证据。方法回顾1992年至2006年我院收治的包括选择性脾动脉栓塞和保守治疗的非手术治疗脾破裂患者55例，对治疗成功率、死亡率和并发症发生率进行分析比较，并评价其卫生经济学效益。结果治疗总成功率87．27％（48／55），元患者死亡。损伤严重程度分组，51例脾Ⅰ、Ⅱ级损伤，总有效率90．19％（46／51），再次栓塞或开腹手术5例。4例脾外伤Ⅲ级患者，2例非手术治疗成功，再次栓塞或开腹手术2例。治疗分组分析，传统保守治疗组保脾成功率为81．3％（26／32），选择性脾动脉栓塞组成功率为100％（23／23）（P=0．035）。选择性脾动脉栓塞组2例并发左侧胸腔积液，1例并发左下肺感染；保守治疗组1例并发脾周脓肿。选择性脾动脉栓塞组平均住院日较保守治疗组[（7．9±4．2．1）d比（11．9±4．4．6）d]明显缩短（P=0．045），但住院花费增加[（4216±668．4）元比（2616±437．8）元]（P〈0．05）。结论脾损伤Ⅰ、Ⅱ级患者适宜保脾治疗，选择性脾动脉栓塞术比传统非手术保守治疗疗效更为可靠，在医疗设备和经济条件允许的情况下建议考虑栓塞治疗。     

Dexon mesh splenorrhaphy for intraoperative splenic injuries

The preferred management option for intraoperative splenic injuries is organ repair and preservation rather than splenectomy given the important immunologic function of the spleen. Wrapping the injured spleen with a Dexon mesh has been shown to be an effective alternative to splenectomy for significant splenic bleeding. However, this technique uses a foreign body that carries a theoretical infectious risk particularly in cases in which the alimentary tract has been opened. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether Dexon mesh splenorrhaphy when used for intraoperative splenic injuries was associated with significant infectious complications. The clinical courses of 23 patients who had Dexon mesh splenorrhaphy performed at a university teaching hospital for intraoperative splenic injury from 1991 to 1999 were reviewed. Eleven patients (48%) had their gastrointestinal tract opened during the surgery. No patients developed an intra-abdominal abscess or required reoperation for bleeding. The most common postoperative complications were left lower lobe atelectasis (18 patients, 78%), postoperative fever (13 patients, 56%), and left pleural effusion (12 patients, 52%). Dexon mesh splenorrhaphy effectively controls splenic bleeding due to intraoperative injury without significant infectious complications.     

Surgical management of splenic abscess complicated by pleural effusion in rural setting: A case report from rural Indonesia

Introduction and importanceSplenic abscess is a potentially life-threatening disease. Antibiotics along with surgery are the gold standard therapy. We present a case of splenic-salvaged surgical management of a large splenic abscess in a rural setting, complying with the available resources.Case presentationA 35-year old female presented to the ER with a history of left hypochondrium pain and fever for seven days. Abdominal tenderness at the left hypochondrium with an enlarged spleen was found. Laboratory tests showed severe anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis. Chest X-ray suggested pulmonary tuberculosis with minimal left pleural effusion. Ultrasound revealed a large unifocal splenic abscess. Antibiotics were administered. Simplified percutaneous drainage was performed, followed by open surgery abscess drainage. The patient showed a smooth recovery.Clinical discussionPulmonary tuberculosis finding in a patient with splenic abscess suggested the potential etiology which itself is a rare finding. Spleen preservation surgery along with antibiotics is preferable to retain immunologic functions. In the rural setting, like Indonesia, where a pig-tail catheter set is not available, a simplified abscess drainage procedure is feasible. In patients with poor conditions, laparotomy and splenectomy approaches would lead to higher mortality and morbidity rates. Chest tube insertion may not be necessary for minimal pleural effusion in a splenic abscess as it may resolve naturally along with the abscess recovery.ConclusionLarge splenic abscess can be managed by abscess drainage if the lesion is unifocal, in a view of the spleen being salvageable in patients with poor general conditions.     

Splenic embolization for splenic laceration in a patient with mononucleosis

Splenomegaly is a sequela of infectious mononucleosis. The potential for traumatic rupture of an enlarged spleen is well recognized. Recently, splenic artery embolization has gained popularity for the treatment of splenic injury. However, embolization has not been described for splenic injury in an enlarged spleen secondary to mononucleosis. We report the case of a 15-year-old girl who was the restrained passenger in a motor vehicle crash. On examination at an American College of Surgeons-verified Level 1 trauma center, the patient was found to have abdominal pain. A focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination revealed fluid in Morison's pouch. A subsequent spiral CT scan with intravenous contrast revealed a markedly enlarged spleen with a shattered upper pole. The patient denied symptoms of mononucleosis; however, a spot mononucleosis test was positive. The patient was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for observation. She remained hemodynamically stable, but her initial hemoglobin of 9.2 g/dL fell to 7.1 g/dL 6 hours later. Splenic artery embolization was performed and the upper pole of the spleen was selectively embolized. The hemoglobin remained stable and the patient was transferred to the pediatric ward. On postembolization day five, the patient was dismissed with a hemoglobin of 9.7 g/dL. This case demonstrates that splenic embolization is a viable alternative to operative treatment even in the presence of splenomegaly secondary to mononucleosis.     

Iatrogenic splenic injury

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic injury to the spleen is a recognised complication of abdominal surgery but the extent of the problem is often under-estimated. This may be due to failure to report splenic injury on the operation note or inaccurate recording of the indication for splenectomy. In this review article we have tried to estimate the incidence of iatrogenic splenic injury during abdominal surgery, the morbidity and mortality associated with splenic injury and the risk factors for injury to the spleen. We have also identified the common types and mechanisms of injury to the spleen and have made suggestions as to how splenic injury can be avoided and, when it occurs, how it should be managed. METHODS: A Medline literature search was performed to identify articles relating to "incidental splenectomy", "iatrogenic splenic injury", "iatrogenic splenectomy" and "splenectomy as a complication of common abdominal procedures". The relevant articles from the reference lists were also obtained. RESULTS: Up to 40% of all splenectomies are performed for iatrogenic injury. The risk of splenic injury is highest during left hemicolectomy (1-8%), open anti-reflux procedures (3-20%), left nephrectomy (4-13%) and during exposure and reconstruction of the proximal abdominal aorta and its branches (21-60%). Splenic injury results in prolonged operating time, increased blood loss and longer hospital stay. It is also associated with a two to ten-fold increase in infection rate and up to a doubling of morbidity rates. Mortality is also reported to be higher in patients undergoing splenectomy for iatrogenic injury. The risk of injury to the spleen is higher in patients who have previously undergone abdominal surgery, in the elderly and in obese patients. A transperitoneal approach significantly increases the risk of splenic injury during left nephrectomy compared with an extraperitoneal approach and the risk is even higher if the indication for surgery is malignancy. Excessive traction, injudicious use of retractors and direct trauma are the commonest mechanisms of injury. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of iatrogenic splenic injury is underestimated because of poor documentation. Splenic injury during abdominal surgery can be reduced by achieving good exposure and adequate visualisation, avoiding undue traction and by early careful division of splenic ligaments and adhesions. When the spleen is injured splenic preservation is desirable and often feasible, but this should not be at the expense of excessive blood loss     

Complications of splenic injuries: expansion of the nonoperative theorem

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Delayed complications (hemorrhages, abscesses, and pseudo-aneurysms) of nonoperative management (NOM) in pediatric spleen injuries are rare but reportedly result in failure of NOM. This study was undertaken to elucidate the rate of delayed complications and their impact on NOM of splenic injuries. METHODS: Forty children who underwent NOM of splenic injuries over 5 years were reviewed for complications and success of NOM. All injuries were diagnosed and graded by computed tomography (CT) scans. Follow-up imaging studies were obtained in all children 6 to 12 weeks postinjury; additional scans also were obtained when clinically indicated. RESULTS: NOM was successful in all children, but 3 (7.5%) had delayed complications. A 3 year old with a grade III splenic injury and a distal pancreatic transection, and a 13 year old with a grade IV injury had pseudoaneurysms, which were noted on follow-up CT scan (14 days postinjury). The pseudoaneurysms were treated expectantly and resolved spontaneously. A 16 year old (grade IV injury) had a splenic abscess 8 days postinjury that was drained percutaneously with CT guidance. CONCLUSIONS: Development of delayed complications may not preclude successful NOM of pediatric spleen injuries. Splenic artery pseudoaneurysms in children appear to resolve spontaneously without intervention.     

Antibiotic-primed fibrin gel improves outcome in contaminated splenic injury.

Fibrin gel (FG) has recently been shown to be bactericidal in the management of contaminated hepatic injury; antibiotic loading of fibrin gel (AFG) may augment this effect. We evaluated the antimicrobial properties of FG and AFG in a rat model of contaminated splenic injury. Fibrin gel was made from centrifuged plasma of separate donor rats and bovine thrombin. Antibiotic fibrin gel was similarly produced following intravenous injection of 70 mg/kg ticarcillin. Male Holtzman rats (250-300 g) were anesthetized and a laparotomy done. The abdomen was contaminated with 1 x 10(7) Bacteroides fragilis and the spleen transected in the midportion. Treatment consisted of splenorrhaphy (S) (n = 7), FG application (n = 7), or AFG (n = 7). The animals were autopsied at 1 week to evaluate abscess formation and abdominal adhesions (grade I = none, grade II = mild, grade III = severe). Antibiotic/fibrin gel significantly decreased abscess formation following splenic injury when compared with S (2 of 7 vs. 7 of 7; p less than 0.05 by ANOVA) without an increase in adhesions. Fibrin gel also decreased abscess formation but not significantly (4 of 7 vs. 7 of 7). Histologic analysis confirmed the beneficial effect of FG and AFG on wound healing. The bactericidal effect of FG is improved by antibiotic loading in contaminated intraabdominal injury.     

Techniques of splenic preservation using fibrin glue

Fibrin glue (FG) was used to achieve hemostasis of 16 splenic injuries in 14 patients. The etiologies of injury included five gunshot wounds, two stab wounds, four iatrogenic injuries, and five patients with blunt splenic trauma. The intraoperative blood loss averaged 1.8 +/- 2.4 (SD) liters and patients were transfused 3 +/- 2 units of blood perioperatively. The amount of FG required to achieve splenic hemostasis averaged 11 +/- 8 ml and varied directly with the grade of injury. One patient with a splenic hilar vascular injury (Grade V) underwent splenectomy following failure to achieve complete hemostasis despite the use of 25 ml of FG. All other splenic injuries were successfully managed using less than 25 ml of FG. Postoperative computerized tomographic (CT) scanning, performed in ten patients, was negative for rebleeding or abscess formation. The overall splenic salvage rate was 86%. FG was effective in achieving hemostasis of both superficial and deep splenic injuries. Its use as an adjunct in trauma surgery should result in increased splenic salvage rates compared with that obtained using conventional surgical techniques.     

Splenorrhaphy for splenic trauma.

Thirty consecutive patients sustaining splenic injury from blunt abdominal trauma were evaluated as to the feasibility of performing splenorrhaphy rather than splenectomy. Twenty-four patients were over 14 years of age. The procedure to be performed was decided intraoperatively. Twelve patients required a splenectomy, and 18 patients had all or a portion of the injured spleen salvaged. The two groups were similar in age, mechanism of injury, and associated injuries. Nine of the 18 salvaged spleens required only debridement and the topical application of Avitene for hemostasis. The remaining nine patients required more extensive procedures including hemisplenectomy (three) and partial splenectomy (three); three patient patients required oversewing of bleeding splenic surfaces and the ligation of vessels without removal of splenic tissue. There were no differences in the number of blood transfusions required by the two groups. There were no postoperative complications resulting from the splenorrhaphy. Sixteen of the 18 who underwent splenorrhaphy were studied postoperatively by spleen scan. In all cases functioning splenic tissue was found consistent with the operative findings and procedure.     

Rational approach to therapy in splenic abscess

Intrasplenic abscess is an uncommon but potentially lethal condition. Seven cases of splenic abscess were seen between 1985 and 1988. There are no specific clinical findings; symptoms and signs of fever, abdominal pain and tenderness were present in all seven cases but were only helpful in diagnosing splenic abscess in three cases. Computed tomographic scanning probably at present offers the most direct way of evaluating the spleen and making an early diagnosis. Splenectomy was done in three cases and antibiotics were used in four cases with equally successful results. Contrary to the prevalent opinion, we believe that medical management is an important addition to the surgeon's armamentarium and offers a viable alternative in selected cases of splenic abscess. A successful outcome is dependent on a high degree of clinical alertness, an aggressive diagnostic approach and prompt effective treatment.     

Changing clinical spectrum of splenic abscess

In two thirds the patients with splenic abscess, the infection develops as a terminal manifestation of uncontrolled disease of other organs. These patients often have multiple small abscesses that usually produce no special clinical manifestations. Even if the existence of splenic sepsis were known, splenectomy would not benefit most of these patients.In one third the patients, pain and tenderness in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen direct attention to the spleen as the source of sepsis. Diagnosis can be confirmed by splenic scanning or arteriography and the patient can be cured by splenectomy. Contiguous infection and intravenous drug abuse are the most common causes of these curable solitary abscesses.     

Trend toward nonoperative management of splenic injuries

Treatment of splenic injuries has evolved over the past decade to reflect more effort to conserve function of the spleen. Records of 169 patients admitted over a 6-year period were identified as documenting the treatment of splenic injuries. We collected data regarding patient age, gender, degree of hemodynamic stability, number of units of blood required, severity of splenic injury, Injury Severity Score, and results of treatment. There were 143 adults (age greater than 16 years) and 26 pediatric patients (age less than 17 years), with mean age in the 2 groups of 31.6 and 11.4 years, respectively. Males comprised 72% of the group, and blunt injury occurred in 154 of the 169 patients. In the adults, splenectomy, splenorrhaphy, laparotomy without operative treatment of the spleen, and nonoperative management were observed 48%, 30%, 14%, and 8% of the time and in the pediatric group 31%, 27%, 19%, and 23% of the time, respectively. By using operative splenic repair techniques and increased use of nonoperative management, the splenic salvage rate has increased in the last 6 years from 41% to 61% without an increase in morbidity and mortality. Incidence of spleen salvage correlated with severity of spleen and overall injury and cardiovascular stability.     

The role of percutaneous US-guided drainage in the treatment of splenic abscess. Case report and review of the literature

Splenic abscess is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening disease that generally occurs in patients with neoplasia, immunodeficiency, hemoglobinopathies, trauma, metastatic infection, splenic infarction and diabetes. Splenic abscess should be considered in a patient with fever, left upper abdominal pain, and leukocytosis. Splenectomy has been the gold standard treatment for splenic abscess, however, burdened by high morbidity rate related clinical conditions of the patient. With the recent development of minimally invasive techniques and percutaneous US- or CT-guided procedures, the placement of a drainage has achieved excellent results with resolution of the disease in a high percentage of cases with low morbidity and negligible mortality. Percutaneous drainage is indicated for uniloculated or biloculated abscesses and for high risk surgical patients. It is a reliable technique with a high rate of therapeutical success and low costs compared to surgery. Other advantages include avoiding risks of intra-abdominal spillage and perioperative complications and saving time, along with a better patient compliance and an easier nursing care. The authors describe a case of splenic abscess treated by percutaneous US-guided drainage. Our results suggest that ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage is a safe and feasible alternative to surgery in the treatment of splenic abscesses. In addition, it allows spleen preservation.     

Nonoperative management of neonatal splenic rupture

Neonatal injury of the spleen is an uncommon but serious condition. Although the standard management of children with splenic injury is nonoperative, there is scant evidence in the literature to support handling neonates in the same way. We report a case of neonatal splenic rupture that was managed nonoperatively. A 3.6-kg full-term female born vaginally became tachycardic and pale on the second day of life. She had a distended abdomen and a hemoglobin of 5.8 g/dL. Her blood pressure remained within normal limits. She was transfused 20 cc/kg packed red blood cells. CT scan showed a grade V splenic rupture. Coagulopathy workup was negative. The assumption was that she had a ruptured spleen secondary to a traumatic delivery. She remained stable after the transfusion. It took 32 weeks for a CT scan to show complete healing. Traditionally, neonatal splenic rupture has been treated with splenectomy or splenorrhaphy. The first case of a neonate to be treated nonoperatively was reported in 2000. Our patient is only the second reported case. We chose to follow her with imaging to document healing and to rule out a tumor, as epidermoid cysts and hemangioendotheliomas can cause neonatal splenic rupture. We also review the literature to try to gain some insight into the management of this rare problem.     

脾损伤的脾保留手术——10年经验总结

目的：本文旨在阐明脾损伤的外科处理原则，结合我们10年来保脾手术的经验探讨脾保留手术的适应证、手术技术及疗效。方法：回顾性分析1989年5月至1999年5月间收治的166例脾损伤行保留性脾手术病例。结果：本组病例无死亡，保脾成功108例（65．1％）。58例（34．9％）被迫行脾切除，40例（56％）同时行脾组织自体移植。所有脾保留性手术均无并发症发生。109例术后平均随访13．5个月，脾功能良好，无感染并发症。结论：保留性脾手术在选择适当的病例中可安全施行。成功实施取决于三因素：格守脾损伤处理的一般原则，依脾损伤类型及病人状况选择恰当术式，掌握保脾术式的技术要点。     

Radioisotope diagnosis of splenic trauma

Multiple injury or delay in seeking medical attention may prevent confident clinical diagnosis of splenic trauma. The spleen scan is a rapid, simple, noninvasive test useful in such circumstances. When peritoneal lavage is contraindicated, unrevealing, or inappropriate, radioisotope imaging of the spleen can help confirm a suspicion of splenic injury.     

外伤性脾破裂的保脾治疗

目的：比较选择性睥动脉栓塞术与非手术治疗外伤性脾破裂的临床应用。方法：回顾性分析1992～2006年我院进行的23例选择性脾动脉栓塞和32例非手术治疗睥破裂的患者。结果：选择性脾动脉栓塞组无输血，非手术组1例输血。选择性脾动脉栓塞组2例并发左侧胸腔积液，1例并发左下肺感染；非手术组1例出现并发脾周脓肿（P=0．298）。非手术组保脾成功率为81．3％（26／32）。选择性脾动脉栓塞组成功率为100％（23／23，P=0．035）。两组患者均无死亡病例。选择性脾动脉栓塞组平均住院（7．9±2．1）d，非手术组平均住院（11．9±4．6）d，P=0．045。结论：脾Ⅰ、Ⅱ级损伤适宜保脾治疗，选择性脾动脉栓塞术比非手术治疗更为安全有效。     

Physiology after pediatric splenic injury

BACKGROUND: The splenic injury computed tomographic (CT) grade is used to guide nonoperative management. A study was conducted to determine whether this grade correlates with patient physiology. METHODS: Records of consecutive children with isolated spleen injuries were reviewed. Vital signs, fluids administered, urine output, and hematocrit values from the scene through 120 hours after admission were retrieved. A blinded radiologist reviewed CT scans. Statistical analyses were conducted to test for a linear relationship between injury grade and physiologic parameters. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients with isolated splenic injuries and available CT scans were located. CT injury grade correlated directly with pulse, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure and inversely with hematocrit. No correlation was found with pulse pressure, urine output, or maximum temperature. CONCLUSION: The CT grade of splenic injury correlates directly with pulse, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure and inversely with hematocrit. CT injury grade correlates with physiologic impact and may guide management decisions.