Incidence and function of residual splenic tissue following splenectomy for trauma in adults

A limited study of children requiring splenectomy for trauma suggested a 59% incidence of splenosis. We attempted to confirm these results in 40 adult patients with trauma. Residual splenic tissue, from either splenosis or accessory spleens, was seen in 26% of patients who underwent splenectomy for trauma and subsequent splenic scintigraphy. There was no significant difference in serum IgM levels between control patients and splenectomy patients with or without residual splenic tissue. There was also no difference in the percentage of pitted RBCs in splenectomized patients with or without residual splenic tissue. However, both groups of splenectomized patients had significantly higher numbers of pitted RBCs than did controls. These results indicate that the incidence of residual splenic tissue, though significant, is lower than previously reported, and that natural splenosis probably results in a small splenic mass incapable of restoring total splenic function.     

Autologous replantation of spleen particles--an established procedure? An opinion

Autologous splenic replantation after splenectomy for trauma is generally recommended in order to prevent postsplenectomy sepsis. Several aspects, however, make this method uncertain: The extent of splenosis induced is not to be predicted. Even if the whole spleen is replanted, the resulting mass may not exceed splenosis, which sometimes develops spontaneously after sole splenectomy. But patients with extended splenic regenerates do not differ from those without any splenosis, considering various immunologic parameters. Postoperative complications after splenic replantation (abscess, intestinal occlusion) are possible, although they may be rare. Fatal cases of postsplenectomy sepsis despite massive splenosis are known. The most important reasons apparently are the altered vascularity and scarring in splenic regenerates. There is no specific test for immunological splenic function. Therefore there is no test to judge the success of replantation, too. Overall, the preservation of the spleen and the vaccination of splenectomized individuals are the most important surgical intentions.     

Cellular and serological changes in the peripheral blood of splenectomized and spleen autotransplanted mice

BACKGROUND: Our department worked out a modified surgical form of spleen autotransplantation earlier, named "spleen apron method" introduced already into the clinical practice. Recently we tested the immunological changes in a group of patients autotransplanted with about 10-15% of their spleen, what was the at least always implantable amount after the severe splenic injuries. In the current work we aimed at measuring some cellular and serological changes in the peripheral blood of splenectomized and spleen autotransplanted inbred mice two and eight months after the operations in order to get more unambiguous results than that we could obtain in our patients with this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We divided 96 two months old Balb/c female mice into eight groups (n = 12/group). The group of controls, sham operated, splenectomized and autotransplanted animals with two and eight months of survival time after the operations. During the autotransplantation we inserted the same amount of spleen, five slices, "chips," about 10-15% of total mass of spleen, into the greater omentum similarly as it was used in the patients. The concentration of serum proteins were measured by laser nephelometry. The lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: We found that two months after the operations the number of CD 19+ B-cells increased in the splenectomized but decreased in the autotransplanted animals. Eight months after the operations the number of both CD3+ T and CD19+ B lymphocytes decreased both in the splenectomized and autotransplanted animals compared to the controls and sham operated mice. However, the numbers of T and B cells were slightly but not significantly higher in the autotransplanted than in the splenectomized mice. The serum level of IgM was also decreased in the splenectomized and autotransplanted mice at both time points, however, eight months after the operations the concentration of IgM was significantly higher in the autotransplanted group than in the splenectomized animals. CONCLUSION: The effects of autotransplanted "chips" were different at the various ages of the animals. Additionally, they showed some immunological benefit being quantitatively in accordance to the amount of the transplanted spleen. The elevated level of serum IgM what we found in the autotransplanted mice even with this amount of transplanted spleen eight months after the operations, however, might have the potentially greatest importance compared to splenectomy. These experiments can prove that the attempts for autotransplantation may have real perspectives but their efficacy depends on the amount of the successfully transplanted (saved) mass of spleen.     

Autotransplantation of Spleen Mitigates Drug-Induced Liver Damage in Splenectomized Mice

Purpose: The spleen presents numerous functions, including the production of immunoglobulins and blood filtration, removing microorganisms and cellular debris. The spleen also has anatomical and functional relationship with the liver, but there are few studies on this topic. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of splenectomy and autologous spleen transplantation on both filtering functions of spleen and acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two BALB/c mice were randomized into four groups: splenectomized; splenectomy and splenic autotransplantation in the greater omentum; sham operated control; and non-operated control. At day 7th, 14th, and 28th after surgery, splenic filtration was assessed by counting Howell-Jolly bodies (HJB) and pitted red cells (PIT). The animals received 400 mg/kg acetaminophen by gavage at day 28^th and after 12 or 24 hours were euthanized for evaluation of splenic and hepatic morphology. Results: The splenectomized group demonstrated reduced filtration of HJB and PIT in all analyzes, while the autotransplanted group developed progressive recovery of function after the 14th day. At day 28 after surgery the implants showed similar histology in comparison to normal spleen. Liver histology showed more intense centrilobular necrosis in splenectomized group in comparison to the others, suggesting a protective role of spleen in acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Conclusions: Splenic implants showed structural and functional recovery, demonstrating the ability of autologous implant to rescue filtering function of intact spleen. Furthermore, the integrity of splenic function appears to influence liver morphology, since the presence of the splenic implants mitigated the effects of chemically-induced liver damage.     

The effect of site and technique of splenic tissue reimplantation on pneumococcal clearance from the blood

The technique and site of reimplantation of splenic tissue influences survival of laboratory animals following intravenous injection of pneumococci. Splenic tissue was prepared by slicing, mincing, or grating the spleen. The tissue was placed subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, retroperitoneally, or in an omental pouch. This study was designed to determine the rate of pneumococcal clearance from the blood stream 16 weeks following splenic reimplantation by four different methods. All animals were challenged with an intravenous 1 mL bolus containing 10(7) bacteria. The New Zealand white rabbits were divided into six groups: intact spleen; splenectomized; spleen slices in an omental pouch; minced spleen in an omental pouch; splenic tissue implanted subcutaneously; and bits of spleen dropped into the peritoneal cavity. Animals with an intact spleen and those with spleen slices implanted into an omental pouch cleared bacteria during the first hour and all bacteria had disappeared at three hours. Bacteremia persisted longer than three hours in the other groups. Splenic tissue had regenerated in all animals with omental pouch implants, in four of six with minced spleen dropped into the peritoneal cavity but in only one with a subcutaneous implant. Reimplanted splenic tissue clears pneumococci from the blood stream best when thin slices of spleen are placed in an omental pouch. This technique also assures successful regeneration of splenic tissue.     

Immune response capacity after human splenic autotransplantation: restoration of response to individual pneumococcal vaccine subtypes

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate features of general immune function, in particular the restoration of the humoral immune response to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides, in humans undergoing a spleen autotransplantation after splenectomy because of trauma. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: After splenectomy, patients have an increased risk of overwhelming infection or sepsis involving encapsulated bacteria such as pneumococci. The value of human spleen autotransplantation after splenectomy because of trauma has long been questioned. Mononuclear phagocyte system function appeared to be similar to that in splenectomized persons. The presence of specific antipneumococcal antibodies would allow other parts of the mononuclear phagocyte system, such as those in the liver, to phagocytose opsonized bacteria. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients undergoing splenectomy followed by autotransplantation were compared with the next 14 consecutive patients undergoing splenectomy alone. After a minimum of 6 months, the patients were vaccinated with 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine. Blood samples were taken at the time of vaccination and after 3 and 6 weeks for antipneumococcal capsular polysaccharides IgM and IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against types 3, 4, 6, 9, 14, and 23. Splenic regrowth was evaluated by scintigraphy. RESULTS: Surprisingly, several of the nonautotransplanted patients showed scintigraphic activity, indicating the presence of either accessory spleens or traumatic seeding (splenosis). Significant antibody titer increases (more than twofold) were found for both IgM and IgG in the autotransplanted patients. Splenectomized-only patients showed no significant increase in Ig levels in patients without splenic regrowth and partial improvement in patients with splenosis/accessory spleens. CONCLUSIONS: Considering this significant antipneumococcal antibody increase, spleen autotransplants can be expected to permit an adequate humoral response to pneumococcal infections and presumably also to other TI-2 antigens, and to protect against overwhelming postsplenectomy infection or sepsis.     

Splenosis mimicking local recurrence after radical nephrectomy: a report of two cases

Splenosis is autotransplantation of splenic tissue and usually follow traumatic or surgical rupture of the spleen. We report two cases of splenosis which presented as a local recurrence after radical nephrectomy for left renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The patients were a 65- and a 71-year-old male, who had been operated for RCC including splenectomy because of disrupture of the splenic capsule 8 and 9 years earlier respectively. In both cases, follow up computed tomographic scans showed small nodules under the left diaphragm. Although we initially suspected local recurrence, we considered the possibility of splenosis. Both patients underwent technetium-99m Sn colloid scans and were diagnosed with splenosis successfully. Therefore, we could avoid unnecessary surgical explorations.     

Quantitative and functional restorations and alterations of peripheral lymphocytes in patients with autologous spleen implantation

Summary To reduce the risk of severe infections in splenectomized patients, new methods for splenic preservation or heterotopic autologous spleen implantation have been established. In the latter case, the immunological and functional benefits are still under discussion. In this study we compared immunological parameters in 16 splenectomized patients with and without heterotopic autologous spleen implantation with a nonsplenectomized control group. The total lymphocyte counts — T-cells, CD4⁺ —, as well as CD8⁺ — lymphocytes, CD16⁺ — and B-cells — were highly elevated in both groups, whereby the B-cells were relatively and absolutely higher in the implanted group than in the nonimplanted group. Splenectomized patients had a significantly reduced serum IgM level. The serum IgM of patients with splenic auto-transplantation was not significantly lower than that of the controls. In contrast to the impaired in vitro immunoglobulin synthesis in the splenectomized group, the autotransplanted patients showed a normal PWM-induced IgG and IgM synthesis and an increased IgA production compared with the controls. The latter results support the findings of elevated serum IgA levels in this group. The mitogenic-induced proliferation with PHA, ConA, PWM, and OKT3 was not clearly different within the tested groups. The results may indicate a benefit of autologous spleen implantation in regard to the humoral immune response.This work was supported by the Cilli-Weill-Stiftung, Scheidel-Stiftung und Edith v. Heyden Vermächtnis     

Optimal site and amount of splenic tissue for autotransplantation.

Clinical and basic studies have documented a high susceptibility to pneumococcal infection in asplenic humans and animals. It has been suggested that autotransplantation of splenic tissue might be a method of providing host resistance when total splenectomy is necessary. However, the effect of splenic autograft has remained controversial. This study was performed to evaluate the most effective site and amount of splenic autograft using rats. Rats were divided into five groups for the purpose of determining the site of splenic autotransplantation: splenectomy, sham operation, implantation into the omental pouch, intraperitoneal implantation, and intramuscular implantation. For determining the amount for autotransplantation, the rats were divided into seven groups: splenectomy, sham operation, and implantations of 25, 50, 100, 200, or 300 mg of splenic tissue. All animals were challenged with Streptococcus pneumoniae type 6, 16 weeks after surgery. Howell-Jolly bodies appeared postsplenectomy, but disappeared in the implanted rats 16 weeks after the operation. Histologically, the implanted tissue was indistinguishable from that of a normal spleen. Pneumococcal clearance from the bloodstream and survival rate were significantly higher in rats implanted in the omental pouch as compared with splenectomized rats. Intraperitoneal and intramuscular implanted rats did not show a significant difference from the splenectomized rats. More than 50% of splenic tissue for autograft showed a significant increase in pneumococcal clearance and survival rate as compared with that of splenectomized rats. It was suggested that the most effective site of autotransplantation is the omental pouch and approximately 50% of the whole spleen would be necessary for prevention from sepsis.     

Decreased phagocytic capacity of autotransplanted splenic tissue

Background: Asplenic patients have an increased risk of infections. Operations such as autotransplantation have been proposed to restore functional splenic tissue after splenectomy, but the protective value of this tissue is unclear. Immune responses such as production of antibody remain impaired in humans and animals even when such tissue is present, and clearance of particles from the blood is reported to be less efficient than by normal spleen tissue. The present study investigated the phagocytic capacity of cells in the regenerated tissue in vitro, free of the confounding effects of hepatic clearance. Methods: Single cell suspensions were prepared from splenic tissue from rats 6 months after splenic autotransplantation or sham operation. Phagocytosis of killed, fluorescein‐labelled bacteria was measured by flow cytometry. Results: Autotransplanted tissue contained fewer phagocytic cells than normal tissue, and these cells phagocytosed less per cell. Phagocytosis by spleen cells was dependent on heat‐labile opsonic factors. Conclusions: Autotransplanted splenic tissue does not restore the phagocytic capacity lost following splenectomy.     

Traumatic Rupture of Splenic Tissue 13 Years after Splenectomy. A Case Report

After splenectomy, two types of splenic tissue can remain in the human body: one type is the congenital accessory spleen, with its own vasculature and capsule. The other type is the acquired splenosis, caused by the spread of splenic tissue following splenic injury. The aim of this paper is to briefly review the literature dealing with spontaneous bleeding of splenic tissue, apart from the primary spleen, and to report a case showing the clinical and surgical importance of remaining splenic tissue after splenectomy.     

Unique case of intramural colonic splenosis

Splenosis is usually a sequel of splenic rupture from abdominal trauma but can be associated with elective splenectomy. Recurrence of the hematological disorder for which the patient underwent splenectomy may occur, and splenic nodules can be found anywhere in the thoracic or abdominal cavity, as well as subcutaneously. We are presenting intramural colonic splenosis, a large inoculum of the splenic tissue that has been found to have the capacity to maintain anemia and thrombocytopenia, in a child previously splenectomized because of a hematological problem.     

Splenic function after splenectomy for trauma. Role of autotransplantation and splenosis

Follow-up of patients treated for severe trauma to the spleen, with autotransplantation (20 cases) or splenectomy (21 cases) included hepatic and splenic scintigraphy, intracutaneous skin testing with seven recall antigens and hematologic studies (red and white blood count, Howell-Jolly bodies, erythrocyte morphology, immunoglobulins, complements). In all reimplantation cases splenic tissue was scintigraphically demonstrated. After removal of the spleen due to severe traumatic ruptures the incidence of splenosis was 66%. Good clearance function in all reimplantation and splenosis cases was demonstrated by Howell-Jolly bodies and erythrocyte morphology. Autotransplantation of splenic tissue is a simple and safe procedure, without serious complications. As yet, however, there is no proof that it provides adequate resistance to infections. Reimplantation, therefore, should be performed only if spleen-preserving procedures are not feasible.     

Assessment of post-splenectomy residual splenic function. Splenic autotransplants

Splenectomy increases the risk of fulminant sepsis. The present study assesses residual splenic function in patients splenectomized due to traumatic rupture of the spleen; and six cases with splenic autotransplants. Splenic tissue was observed in only 48% of the splenectomized patients and 100% of the autotransplant cases. The two most reliable analytical parameters to assess the presence of functional splenic tissue, were the absence of Howell-Jolly bodies and normal IgM blood levels. In cases where total splenectomy is indicated, it has proved useful to perform autotransplantation of splenic tissue at omentum major level.     

Vaccination practices among North American trauma surgeons in splenectomy for trauma

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine trama surgeons' practice patterns regarding immunization of splenic injury patients. METHODS: Data were analyzed from surgeons responding to a survey sent to 557 adult trauma surgeons in the United States and Canada. The survey queried the timing and use of vaccinations in splenic injury patients. RESULTS: Three hundred four (54.6%) surgeons responded to the survey, with 43 no longer active. Of the 261 active surgeons, 99.2% immunize their splenectomized patients, whereas 15.7% immunize those who undergo splenorrhaphy and 8.4% immunize those managed nonoperatively. Vaccines are administered anywhere from the immediate postoperative period to as long as 6 weeks later. All but two responding surgeons provide the pneumococcal vaccine, 62.8% also advocate meningococcal vaccination, 72.4% add the Haemophilus influenzae vaccine, and 56.7% give all three. Thirteen of the responding surgeons reimplant splenic tissue, most frequently in the omentum, and in quantities varying from two slices to the entire spleen. Revaccination practices are extremely varied-ranging from nothing at all to annually-and seldom follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. CONCLUSION: With the exception of immunizing splenectomized patients against pneumococcal infection, little consensus exists among surgeons regarding the immunization of patients sustaining splenic injury.     

Evaluation of phagocytic function of macrophages in rats after partial splenectomy

Background: Understanding the immunologic properties of the spleen has enabled surgeons to practice splenic conservation surgery. If the upper pole of the spleen can be preserved solely on the upper short gastric vessels, will phagocytic function of macrophages in remnant splenic tissue be affected? The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the phagocytic function of macrophages in partially resected spleens, with hilar excision preserving the short gastric vessels.

Study Design: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 underwent sham operations and groups 3 and 4 underwent partial splenectomy. One milliliter of sodium chloride 0.9% was injected into the abdomen of the rats in groups 1 and 3 and 1 mL of Streptococcus pneumoniae type III as an antigenic stimulus was injected into the abdomen of the rats in groups 2 and 4, 6 weeks after the first operation. Forty-eight hours later, relaparotomy was performed in all animals. India ink was used to determine the capacity of uptake in the splenic phagocytes. To evaluate the phagocytic function of the splenic tissues, histologic examinations were performed according to a macrophage grading system.

Results: All spleens in all four groups were stained black after injection of India ink. Phagocytic activity of macrophages was reduced in the partially splenectomized groups, compared with intact spleen groups (group 3 versus group 1; p < 0.0001, group 4 versus group 2; p < 0.0001). There was a significant difference between groups 1 and 2 according to phagocytic function of macrophages (p = 0.0121). Also, after Streptococcus pneumoniae type III injection as an antigenic stimulus in group 4, we found that the phagocytic functions of macrophages increased compared with those of the sodium chloride 0.9%-injected group 3 after partial splenectomy (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Phagocytic function of macrophages in rats decreased after partial splenectomy. Nevertheless, the remnant spleens in rats could be stimulated when challenged with an antigenic stimulus.     

Differences between the histology of normal spleen and that of regenerated ectopically implanted splenic tissue

The histology of regenerated ectopically implanted spleen (splenotic tissue) from splenectomized rats was compared with that of normal rat spleen. Computer-assisted morphometric analysis revealed significant decreases in both the number and area of splenic nodules in splenotic tissue when compared with normal spleen. It is suggested that the reduction in the amount of white pulp present could explain at least in part the reduced ability of splenotic tissue to deal with infection.     

门静脉高压巨脾大部切除后残脾神经分布与定量研究

目的：观察门静脉高压巨脾大部切除后残脾神经纤维分布与密度变化,评估残脾保留的价值。 方法：选取门静脉高压脾肿大行脾大部切除并残脾腹后固定术患者13例,收集患者术后切取的巨脾组织,以及术后8年穿刺获取的残脾组织,另取外伤性脾组织13例为正常对照。采用免疫组化法检测脾神经肽Y（NPY）和神经丝蛋白200（NF 200）阳性神经纤维分布及密度。 结果：3组脾组织NPY和NF200阳性神经纤维的分布部位大致相同,但两者在巨脾组织中的密度明显较高。红髓部分的定量分析显示,巨脾组织NPY与NF200阳性神经纤维密度均明显高于残脾组织和正常脾组织（均P<0.05）,而两种阳性神经纤维密度在残脾组织与正常脾组织间差异无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。 结论：巨脾大部切除术后残脾神经纤维分布及含量与正常脾大致相同,提示解除高压环境后,残脾神经功能能逐渐恢复正常。     

Antibody Response of Autogenous Splenic Tissue Implanted in the Abdominal Cavity of Mice

There is still controversy about the immunologic function of autotransplanted splenic tissue. In this study, splenic autotransplantation was performed in the abdominal cavity of mice, and the plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay was used to investigate the frequency of antibody-forming cells in response to sheep red blood cell (SRBC) immunization. BALB/c mice were divided into four groups according to the location of the autogenous graft: intraomental (IO), free peritoneal splenosis (FPS), retroperitoneal (RP), and nongrafted control (CT). Thirty days after surgery the mice were immunized intraperitoneally with SRBCs, and 4 days later splenic immunoglobulin M anti-SRBC-secreting cells were determined by counting the number of PFCs. All the immunized mice showed increased numbers of PFCs that were about 2 logs higher than those in the the nonimmunized controls (P < 0.005). The frequencies of anti-SRBC-producing cells in the tissues grafted in various sites of the abdominal cavity (IO, FPS, RP), in the normal spleen from nonoperated controls (CT), or in the sham-operated control group (SCT) were not notably different (5582 ± 2475 PFC/10⁷ cells for IO; 4849 ± 1856 for FPS; 6604 ± 2903 for RP; 5940 ± 5029 for CT; and 6172 ± 2203 for SCT). Similar histology with small architectural variations was observed in all implants; less white pulp was involved, and there was more congestion in the red pulp, with extensive sinusoids and reticular fiber proliferation. This study shows that the T cell-dependent antibody response in implanted splenic tissues is as efficient as in the intact spleen, with no difference between the graft sites studied. This immune response does not depend on the slight architectural variations observed in the splenic implants.     

Consider the diagnosis of splenosis for soft tissue masses long after any splenic injury

Splenosis represents the autotransplantation of splenic tissue after splenic trauma or surgery. Disruption of the splenic capsule causes fragments of splenic tissue to be seeded mainly throughout the peritoneal cavity, where they are characterized by diffusely scattered bluish implants. Extraperitoneal locations are very rare and mainly include the thoracic cavity after thoracoabdominal trauma with simultaneous splenic rupture and diaphragmatic laceration. We retrospectively identified all patients in the pathology registry with the diagnosis of splenosis between December 1974 and July 2003 at our urban teaching hospital. Data collected included presenting signs and symptoms, history, imaging studies, treatment, pathology, and outcome. Five cases of splenosis were identified and described. Location of the splenosis was intraperitoneal in two and intrahepatic, intrathoracic, and subcutaneous in one each. In these cases, there was an average interval of 29 years between splenic injury and diagnosis, and most were found incidentally. One of the cases was managed entirely laparoscopically and another thoracoscopically.