Splenic Autotransplantation for a Congested and Enlarged Wandering Spleen with Torsion: Report of a Case

In children with diseases of the spleen, every effort should be made to preserve the organ, to prevent severe infections postsplenectomy. We report the case of a 7-year-old girl with torsion of a wandering spleen who we treated by autotransplantation of splenic tissues following splenectomy, when fixation of the enlarged spleen seemed impossible. Spleen scintigraphy showed uptake in the regenerating splenic tissues 9 months after surgery, and evidence of an increase in the size of the tissues 23 months after surgery. Howell–Jolly bodies had disappeared by 16 months after surgery. These findings suggested that the transplanted splenic tissues were resuming splenic functions. Based on our experience with this case, we conclude that autotransplantation after splenectomy is a treatment option for wandering spleen with torsion when fixation seems difficult because of splenic congestion and enlargement.     

Hematological, hemorheological, immunological, and morphological studies of spleen autotransplantation in mice: preliminary results

Using a spleen autotransplantation model, we conducted hematological, hemorheological, immunological, and morphological studies in mice 6 weeks after splenectomy. Sixty male and female A/J inbred mice were equally divided into 3 groups: 1) SE group, splenectomy was performed; 2) AU group, spleen chips were autotransplanted into the omentum without vascular anastomosis following splenectomy; and 3) C group (controls), no intervention in these mice. At postoperative week 6, the following studies were performed: 1) measurement of hematological parameters; 2) hemorheological studies, including relative cell transit time (RCTT) and fibrinogen levels; and 3) activity of peripheral phagocytes, measured by zymozan-induced chemiluminescence, which was calculated in stimulation index values (SI). In addition, histological investigations of autotransplants were conducted. Erythrocyte mean cell volume and platelet counts, RCTT, fibrinogen levels, and activity of phagocytes were significantly higher in the SE group, compared to those in the C group. In the AU group, these parameters were similar to those in the C group. Morphologically, the transplanted spleen showed normal histology. These data indicate that the transplanted spleens restored their function. We conclude that spleen autotransplantation reserves the normal morphology of spleen and restores most of the spleen's hematological, hemorheological, and immunological functions. Both SI index and erythrocyte deformability can be an informative detection of decreasing splenic function. These data suggest that spleen autotransplantation may provide a useful tool to prevent complications following splenectomy in a clinical setting.     

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.     

Failure of autotransplantation of the spleen in dogs: an anatomic, radionuclide imaging, and pathologic study

Although splenic autotransplantation is successful in mice and rats, with regeneration occurring in any location, no extensive study had been performed on dogs. We transplanted the spleen into subcutaneous and intraperitoneal locations on 40 dogs. Four to six months later, splenic scanning and reexploration was carried out. Spleens were removed, weighed, and microscopic sections were made. Months later, no uptake was present on scanning, weight was less than 6% of original weight, and little identifiable splenic tissue was present on microscopic sections. When 15 small sections were transplanted to the omentum in a "necklace" fashion, good uptake and preservation were seen after six months. The small amount of spleen transplanted by this method, however, makes this an unsatisfactory option. We conclude, therefore that our large-animal experiments do not provide a basis on which to recommend autotransplantation of the spleen in humans. Preservation of splenic tissue by splenorrhaphy is still the treatment of choice.     

The value of partial splenic autotransplantation in patients with portal hypertension: a prospective randomized study.

HYPOTHESIS: Splenic autotransplantation plays a role in preserving immune function of the spleen in patients with portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty patients (19 men and 1 woman; aged 33-80 years) suffering from portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Each group consisted of 10 patients. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent modified Sugiura operation. In the control group, splenectomy was performed, while partial splenic autotransplantation into the retroperitoneal space was additionally completed in the splenic autotransplantation group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum tuftsin and IgM were measured preoperatively and 2 months after surgery. Dynamic scintigraphy with technetium Tc 99m-labeled heat-damaged erythrocytes was performed at 2-month intervals during the 8-month follow-up. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the mortality of the groups. The preoperative levels of serum tuftsin and IgM showed no statistical difference between groups. However, although these measures had decreased remarkably in the control group 2 months after operation (P<.001 for serum tuftsin; P =.04 for serum IgM), they remained stable in the splenic autotransplantation group (P =.25 for serum tuftsin; P =.12 for serum IgM). Four patients within the splenic autotransplantation group showed positive scanning of the transplanted splenic fragment during follow-up, whereas there was no positive scanning in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that partial splenic autotransplantation can preserve immune function of the spleen, as measured by serum levels of tuftsin and IgM, in patients with portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis.     

Distribution of peripheral blood cells in mice after splenectomy or autotransplantation

Our aim was to compare the distribution changes of peripheral leukocytes and erythrocytes in splenectomized and spleen-autotransplanted BALB/c female mice (n = 96), 2 and 8 months after surgery. In total, there were eight groups of animals: splenectomy, autotransplantation, sham, and untreated controls at both time points. We used the spleen-apron method of Furka et al. (Khirurgiia (Mosk) 1989;9:125-127), inserting five spleen chips into the greater omentum, for autotransplantation. Quantitative and qualitative blood cell counts and the phagocytic activity of cells (stimulated with zymosan) were determined. In splenectomized animals, the number of neutrophils significantly increased 8 months after surgery. The greatest phagocytic activity of neutrophils, however, was observed in autotransplanted animals of the same age. In splenectomized animals, erythrocyte volumes were significantly higher in the second postoperative month, but normalized by the eighth month. In conclusion, spleen autotransplantation has some beneficial effects, including clearing erythrocytes and preserving the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in peripheral blood.     

自体脾腹膜后移植在创伤性脾破裂中的临床应用

目的探讨自体脾组织移植在治疗创伤性脾破裂的应用.方法对本组于2000年1月至2005年4月22例脾破裂行全脾切除后,再行自体脾组织腹膜后移植术.通过检测外周血IgM、IgA、IgG水平和B超,CT、99mTc扫描来观察移植脾片成活和吞噬功能恢复情况.结果术后随访均显示移植脾存活良好,脾功能满意.结论自体脾组织移植可作为严重脾外伤全脾切除术后保留脾功能的一个重要有效手段.     

In vivo dynamic 99mTc-HIDA scintigraphy after hepatocyte transplantation: a new method for the monitoring of graft function

In vivo dynamic 99mTc-HIDA scintigraphy was tested as a method for graft function monitoring after hepatocyte transplantation (HTX). Bilirubin uridyldiphosphate glucuronyl transferase-deficient rats received 10(7) viable isolated hepatocytes from congenic nondeficient donors by intrasplenic injection. The transplanted rats were divided into 2 groups. Three months after HTX, one group underwent 99mTc-HIDA scintigraphy, the other was subjected to bile analysis for the detection of bilirubin glucuronides (the presence of which would indicate biochemical activity of transplanted hepatocytes). Histological examination of the spleen of all animals was performed at the end of the experiment. The same experimental protocol was applied to 10 sham-treated enzyme-deficient rats serving as controls. The scintigraphic studies showed that spleens of transplanted rats did accumulate 99mTc-HIDA, this in contrast to sham-treated rats. Furthermore, time-activity curves of liver and spleen of HTX-treated rats showed similar kinetic patterns, suggesting a biologically normal function of the hepatocytes grafted in the spleen. Bilirubin glucuronides were excreted by transplanted rats, not by control rats. Histological examination of the spleen revealed hepatocyte survival in all HTX-treated rats. These findings demonstrated a correlation between increased splenic uptake of 99mTc-HIDA and biochemical activity and morphological survival of intrasplenic donor hepatocytes. In conclusion, in vivo dynamic 99mTc-HIDA scintigraphy appears to be an ideal method for noninvasive graft function monitoring after intrasplenic HTX.     

Splenic Autotransplantation Is Always Valid after Splenectomy

When splenectomy is performed, autotransplantation is the only method to preserve splenic function. The most frequently used technique for splenic autotransplantation in humans is the implantation of multiple sections of the splenic parenchyma into pouches created in the greater omentum. However, this technique of autotransplantation is associated with complications. For this reason, a technique in which only one 35-g slice of spleen is transplanted into the greater omentum but positioned within the native hypochondrium can be considered safe and useful for patients. Experimental studies continue to add valuable information to the ongoing research in the field of autotransplantation, providing a baseline for future studies in humans and adding arguments in favor of autotransplantation when the spleen cannot be preserved.     

Partial experimental autotransplantation of the spleen

The authors performed autotransplantation of the spleen in 45 dogs. They found that, the pieces of the transplanted spleen underwent necrosis, but new malphigian bodies formed on their surface. These latter took over the sepsis-inhibiting function of the spleen. Thus the grafting of spleen can be useful and worth doing. Spleen should be transplanted in thin slices since in case of a larger piece they may necrotize and give rise to abscesses.     

Histologic study of experimental spleen transplant in rats

BACKGROUND: The objective of this paper was to demonstrate that the grafts of cervical splenic transplantation on rats using our experimental model present a normal histological appearance. METHODS: Isogenic consanguineous Lewis rats 12 weeks old and weighing 250 gr. were used. Histological findings of a group of 25 cervical splenic grafts transplanted by means of splinting vascular venous microanastomoses and a group of 25 splenic grafts autotransplanted in the omentum were compared with a control group. The specimens were assigned according to a score of 0 to 4, following Moore's histological criteria. RESULTS: All grafts in transplanted and autotransplanted groups had a score of 3 or 4. Then, all splenic grafts from the transplanted group had histological findings very similar to a normal spleen. In the autotransplantation group, the percentage of grafts with a score 3 (60%) was superior to the transplantation group (46%). However, the transplantation group presented a percentage of score 4 (54%), superior to the autotransplantation group (40%). CONCLUSIONS: In our study all grafts from the cervical spleen transplantation group had histological findings very similar to a normal spleen. The percentage of spleens with histological normality in the transplantation group was superior to the autotransplantation group. However, there was no statistical significance.     

Autologous transplantation of splenic tissue after splenectomy in gunshot abdominal wounds

Results of experimental (12) and clinical (26) observations of autotransplantation of spleen fragments into the greater omentum after splenectomy are described. Optimum sizes of the transplanted fragments of the spleen were determined. The influence of this operation on homeostasis was studied. Terms of the taking of spleen fragments were established by morphological and radionuclide methods.     

Experimental study on function of regenerated splenic tissue after splenic autotransplantation

To prevent postsplenectomy overwhelming sepsis, splenic autotransplantation has been clinically attempted. However, function of regenerated splenic tissue after splenic autotransplantation has not been completely understood. Changes in weigh of regenerated splenic tissue, splenic blood flow, splenic immune responses and phagocytic function were studied for one year after splenic autotransplantation using Sprague-Dawley rats. At one year after autotransplantation, the weight of regenerated splenic tissue was increased to 80% of the originally implanted spleen and the blood flow was increased to 80% of the control spleen. The counts of lymphocytes and macrophages in the regenerated splenic tissue were significantly low at eight weeks after transplantation, however lymphocytes was increased to 58.8% and macrophages was increased to 29.5% of the control spleen at 16 weeks after transplantation. The blast formation of splenic lymphocytes was lower at the early stage after transplantation, thereafter, it was increased at the later time after transplantation. Microangiography of the regenerated spleen showed new capillaries around the implanted tissue 2 weeks after transplantation. These results suggested that the transplanted splenic tissue was regenerated to the similar structure to normal spleen and immunological function was recovered close to the normal splenic tissue.     

Comparative hematologic and immunologic studies of patients with splenectomy and spleen autotransplantation

We compared changes in haematological and immunological parameters of patients with splenectomy (n=24), splenectomy plus spleen autotransplantation (n=12) and healthy controls (n=23). In the autotransplantation group pieces of the removed spleen were placed into the omentum with good visible circulation. Significant alterations in the hematological status and in some immunological parameters were observed in both groups of patients who were operated on compared to those in the control group. There was no difference, however, between the results of the two groups of operated patients. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of vaccination in patients with spleen autotransplantation in order to prevent potential sepsis. In addition, we recommend the possible further use of spleen autotransplantation.     

Splenic autotransplantation: determination of the optimum amount required for maximum survival

Splenic salvage in cases of traumatic or iatrogenic injuries may require autotransplantation of splenic fragments when splenorrhaphy or partial splenectomy is not possible. There are no studies which address the issue concerning the optimal amount of spleen to be transplanted in order to yield maximal survival in a model of pneumococcal sepsis. This study uses a Sprague-Dawley rat model to attempt to clarify this issue. Animals were divided into seven groups: control, total splenectomy, 25, 40, 60, 80, and 100% omental pouch autotransplantation. These animals were challenged with intravenous Streptococcus pneumonia Type I after 24 weeks, and mortality and blood culture results were monitored. Transplants were recovered and weights were compared with the weights originally transplanted. Survival and blood culture results were seen to improve in a linear quantitative fashion as the amount of spleen autotransplanted increased up to 80%, after which no further improvement was seen. This data supports the autotransplantation of 80% of the spleen in the Sprague-Dawley rat as the optimum amount to achieve maximal survival in a model of pneumococcal sepsis.     

自体脾移植联合食管横断吻合术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症

目的 探讨腹膜后自体脾移植联合食管横断吻合术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的临床疗效.方法 将2003年1月至2006年12月收治的36例肝硬化门静脉高压症患者随机分为自体脾移植组(n=18)和脾切除组(n=18),自体脾移植组接受脾切除、食管横断吻合及自体脾移植术,脾切除组接受脾切除、食管横断吻合术.于术前及术后2～6个月定期观察两组患者的一般情况、行脾脏放射性核素扫描,同时检测肝功能、血清促吞噬素(Tuftsin)及IgM水平,并行组间及手术前后比较分析.结果 自体脾移植组患者术后2个月血清Tuftsin和IgM水平与术前比较无明显差异(P0.05),而脾切除组患者术后2个月血清Tuftsin和IgM水平较术前明显降低(P<0.05);自体脾移植术对患者肝功能无明显影响;术后2个月放射性核素扫描证实移植脾于腹膜后存活.结论 自体脾移植对保留机体脾脏免疫功能具有重要价值,腹膜后自体脾移植联合食管横断吻合术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的临床效果确切,值得推广应用.     

Reticuloendothelial clearance and splenic mononuclear cell populations after resection and autotransplantation

Although the preservation of splenic tissue may prevent overwhelming infection after splenectomy, the degree of protection conferred by small remnants has not been optimal. We investigated whether either splenic reticuloendothelial clearance of a blood flow-dependent colloid or macrophage and T-cell populations might be altered by resection or autotransplantation of the spleen. Our results have shown that bloodstream reticuloendothelial clearance of technetium 99m sulfur colloid is not impaired by splenectomy, partial resection of the spleen, or splenic autotransplantation. Such clearance is dependent on spleen weight and is not related to differences in either macrophage or helper or suppressor T-cell populations. This suggests that autotransplantation of the spleen is inferior to preservation of even a small hilar remnant and implies that repair or partial resection of the spleen will provide greater protection than autotransplantation.     

Multiorgan transplantation with a new organ-chip technique in mice: preliminary histological data

A simple model was developed for multiorgan liver-kidney-spleen-intestine transplantation on 108 inbred mice. Donor operations included hepatectomy, nephrectomy, splenectomy, and jejunum segment resection. Following removal of the organ, small slices or abdominal organ "chips" were prepared. During multiorgan recipient operations, chips from each of these organs were transplanted into the omentum; in the control single-organ groups, only 1 organ was transplanted. All animals survived. Biopsies were taken for histology after 6 weeks. All organs were found to have developed a blood supply. In the liver chips, hypertrophied cells could be detected. In the margin of the kidney tissue, both the glomeruli and tubules were preserved. Lymphoid zone and red pulp were intact in spleen chips. All layers of the intestinal chips were identifiable and contained intraluminal mucinous substances. This model is a simple surgical intervention with the possibility of the investigation of 4 organs.     

Spleen autotransplantation. Morphological and functional follow-up after spleen autotransplantation in mice: a research summary

In 1986, we started the research on spleen surgery aimed at saving the splenic mass after its traumatic injury, with elaboration of special resection and autotransplantation techniques. The researches started on mongrel dogs and were continued on inbred mice and beagle dogs with complex histological, imaging, and laboratory investigations, following-up the function and the regeneration of autotransplanted spleen chips. Performing research on mice provided more immunological methods, such as lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulin levels, and monitoring the phagocytic functions. Researches showed evidence also on the presence of apoptosis, furthermore, stem cell studies on regeneration and functional restoration of the spleen chips are in progress. Our results contributed to two multidisciplinary guidelines in Hungary: (1) One of them is under preparation and underlines the importance of spleen saving methods after traumatic splenic injury; (2) The second guideline shows that hemorheological changes can be early indicators of the increased sensitivity to postsplenectomy infections.     

自体脾移植联合食管横断吻合术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症

目的 本研究比较自体脾移植联合食管横断吻合术与脾切除联合食管横断吻合术治疗门静脉高压症(PHT)的疗效.方法 将30例研究对象平均分为两组.研究组行脾次全切除加自体脾腹膜后移植及食管横断吻合术;对照组行脾切除加食管横断吻合术.于术前1周及术后6个月通过三维动态增强磁共振血管成像(3D DCE MRA)检测其门静脉主干(MPV)管腔横截面积、血流量、血流速度等门静脉系统血流动力学参数及食管胃底曲张静脉的变化,并观察自体移植脾在腹膜后的侧支血管形成与血流方向的改变.并同步检查血清肝纤维化指标及肝功能的重要指标. 结果术后两组MPV的管腔横截面积、MPV的平均流速和MPV的平均流量均比术前明显减小(P＜0.05).且术后研究组MPV的平均流速和平均流量均少于对照组(P＜0.05).两组手术后胃底曲张静脉、食管曲张静脉均消失或明显改善;两组手术前后肝功能的重要指标均差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).研究组血清透明质酸水平在术后显著下降(P＜0.05),研究组移植脾成活良好,并建立了广泛的侧支循环. 结论自体脾移植联合食管横断吻合术是一种优于脾切除加断流术治疗肝硬化PHT的方法,且未对肝功能造成负面影响.