Management outcomes in splenic injury: a statewide trauma center review

Non-operative management of high-grade splenic injury: a systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to establish whether embolization is more effective than clinical observation for adult patients with grade III-V splenic injuries. The findings will be used to guide future practice and, if necessary, inform future research design and conduct.

INTRODUCTION

The spleen is one of the most frequently injured intra-abdominal organs, with a reported adult mortality of 7% to 18% following trauma. Non-operative management has become a standard of care for hemodynamically stable patients. In clinical practice, the decision whether to prophylactically embolize or manage high-grade injuries with observation alone remains controversial.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Sources including adult patients with grade III-V splenic injuries secondary to blunt trauma will be included in this review. Eligible studies must include comparisons between 2 cohorts of patients undergoing either prophylactic embolization or clinical observation only. Outcomes will include mortality rate, failure of treatment, intensive care unit admission, length of hospital stay, blood transfusion requirements, and patient satisfaction.

METHODS

A systematic review with meta-analysis will be conducted. PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL will be searched for eligible studies, as will trial registries and sources of gray literature. Study selection, quality appraisal, and data extraction of outcomes will be performed in duplicate. Methodological quality will be evaluated using JBI critical appraisal tools. Studies will, where possible, be pooled in statistical meta-analysis. A random effects model will be used and statistical analysis will be performed. The certainty of the findings will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42023420220.

Clinical factors and outcomes of spleen-conserving surgery versus total splenectomy in splenic injuries: A nationwide database study

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with the use of spleen-conserving surgeries, as well as patient outcomes, on a national scale.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study (2010-2015) included patients (age≥16 years) with splenic injury in the National Trauma Data Bank. Patients who received a total splenectomy or a spleen-conserving surgery were compared for demographics and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

During the study period, 18,425 received a total splenectomy and 1,825 received a spleen-conserving surgery. Total splenectomy was more likely to be performed for patients with age>65 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.63, p ​< ​0.001), systolic blood pressure<90 (OR: 0.63, p ​< ​0.001), heart rate>120 (OR: 0.83, p ​= ​0.007), and high-grade injuries (OR: 0.18, p ​< ​0.001). Penetrating trauma patients were more likely to undergo a spleen-conserving surgery (OR: 3.31, p ​< ​0.001). The use of spleen-conserving surgery was associated with a lower risk of pneumonia (OR: 0.79, p ​= ​0.009) and venous thromboembolism (OR: 0.72, p ​= ​0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Spleen-conserving surgeries may be considered for patients with penetrating trauma, age<65, hemodynamic stability, and low-grade injuries. Spleen-conserving surgeries have decreased risk of pneumonia and venous thromboembolism.

Splenic artery embolization changes the management of blunt splenic injury: an observational analysis of 680 patients graded by the revised 2018 AAST-OIS

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the management of blunt splenic injury (BSI) and highlight the role of splenic artery embolization (SAE).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with BSI over 15 years. Splenic injuries were graded by the 2018 revision of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-Organ Injury Scale (AAST-OIS). Our hospital provide 24/7 in-house surgeries and 24/7 in-house interventional radiology facility. Patients with BSI who arrived hypotensive and were refractory to resuscitation required surgery and patients with vascular injury on abdominal computed tomography were considered for SAE.

RESULTS

In total, 680 patients with BSI, the number of patients who underwent nonoperative management with observation (NOM-obs), SAE, and surgery was 294, 234, and 152, respectively. The number of SAEs increased from 4 (8.3%) in 2001 to 23 (60.5%) in 2015 (p < 0.0001); conversely, the number of surgeries decreased from 21 (43.8%) in 2001 to 4 (10.5%) in 2015 (p = 0.001). The spleen-related mortality rate of NOM-obs, SAEs, and surgery was 0%, 0.4%, and 7.2%, respectively. In the SAE subgroup, according to the 2018 AAST-OIS, 234 patients were classified as grade II, n = 3; III, n = 21; IV, n = 111; and V, n = 99, respectively.; and compared with 1994 AST-OIS, 150 patients received a higher grade and the total number of grade IV and V injuries ranged from 96 (41.0%) to 210 (89.7%) (p < 0.0001). On angiography, 202 patients who demonstrated vascular injury and 187 achieved hemostasis after SAE with a 92.6% success rate. Six of the 15 patients failed to SAE preserved the spleen after second embolization with a 95.5% salvage rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm the superiority of the 2018 AAST-OIS and support the role of SAE in changing the trend of management of BSI.

Near Disappearance of Splenorrhaphy as an Operative Strategy for Splenic Preservation After Trauma

BACKGROUND

Splenorrhaphy was once used to achieve splenic preservation in up to 40% of splenic injuries. With increasing use of nonoperative management and angioembolization, operative therapy is less common and splenic injuries treated operatively are usually high grade. Patients are often unstable, making splenic salvage unwise. Modern surgeons may no longer possess the knowledge to perform splenorrhaphy.

METHODS

The records of adult trauma patients with splenic injuries from September 2014 to November 2018 at an urban level I trauma center were reviewed retrospectively. Data including American Association for the Surgery of Trauma splenic organ injury scale, type of intervention, splenorrhaphy technique, and need for delayed splenectomy were collected. This contemporary cohort (CC) was compared to a historical cohort (HC) of splenic injuries at a single center from 1980 to 1989 (Ann Surg 1990; 211: 369).

RESULTS

From 2014 to 2018, 717 adult patients had splenic injuries. Initial management included 157 (21.9%) emergent splenectomy, 158 (22.0%) angiogram ± embolization, 371 (51.7%) observation, and only 10 (1.4%) splenorrhaphy. The HC included a total of 553 splenic injuries, of which 313 (56.6%) underwent splenectomy, while splenorrhaphy was performed in 240 (43.4%). Those who underwent splenorrhaphy in each cohort (CC vs HC) were compared.

CONCLUSION

The success rate of splenorrhaphy has not changed. However, splenorrhaphy now involves only electrocautery with topical hemostatic agents and is used primarily in low-grade injuries. Suture repair and partial splenectomy seem to be "lost arts" in modern trauma care.

Management of Splenic Injuries Utilizing a Multidisciplinary Protocol in 110 Consecutive Patients at a Level II Hospital

INTRODUCTION

Non-operative treatment (NOM) of splenic trauma is the management of choice in hemodynamically stable patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the failure rate of NOM after implementation of a multidisciplinary protocol for splenic injuries compared to literature results.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed over a 16-year period. Patient data and management of splenic trauma was recorded according to our hospital protocol: demographic data, blood pressure, respiratory rate, Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS), Revised Trauma Score(RTS), Injury Severity Score(ISS), injury grade according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma(AAST), failure of NOM, morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

One hundred ten patients were included: 90(81.8%) men, 20(18.2%) women; mean age 37 years; 106(96.5%) cases were blunt and four(3.5%) penetrating by knife. The diagnosis was established by US/CT. AAST classification: 14(13%) grade I; 24(22%) grade II; 34(31%) grade III; 37(34%) grade IV. Emergency laparotomy was performed in 54 patients: 37 due to grade IV injuries, 17 due to hemodynamic instability. NOM was utilized in 56 patients, spleen-preserving surgery in 16, and splenectomy in 38. Ten patients had postoperative complications: seven in the splenectomy group, two in the spleen-preserving surgery group, and one in the NOM group. One patient died. Average hospital stay: 22.8 days- NOM 17.6 days, conservative surgery 29 days, splenectomy 22.4 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we continue with a high hospital stay, the literature reports support our results. The implementation of the protocol by consensus contributed to the change towards NOM.

Association of Splenic Rupture and Infectious Mononucleosis: A Retrospective Analysis and Review of Return-to-Play Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Infectious mononucleosis is typically a self-limited disease commonly affecting young adults. Splenic rupture is a rare but serious complication affecting 0.1% to 0.5% of patients with mononucleosis. Current guidelines (based on published case reports) recommend complete activity restriction for 3 weeks after onset of mononucleosis symptoms to reduce rupture risk. We examined actual timing of mononucleosis-associated splenic injury using a large repository of unpublished patient data.

HYPOTHESIS

The risk of splenic injury after infectious mononucleosis will remain elevated longer than previously estimated.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

The Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool (M2) was used to conduct a retrospective chart review. Coding records of TRICARE beneficiaries aged 5 to 65 years between 2006 and 2016 were screened. Patients diagnosed with both splenic injury and mononucleosis-like symptoms were identified, and their medical records were reviewed for laboratory confirmation of infection and radiographically evident splenic injury.

RESULTS

A total of 826 records of splenic injury were found in M2. Of these, 42 cases met the study criteria. Mean time to splenic injury was 15.4 (±13.5) days. Only 73.8% (n = 31) of injuries occurred within 21 days, and 90.5% (n = 38) of splenic injuries occurred within 31 days of symptom onset.

CONCLUSION

A substantial number of splenic injuries occur between 21 and 31 days after symptom onset. While most splenic injuries were atraumatic, consideration should be given to extending return-to-play guidelines to 31 days after symptom onset to minimize risk. Risk of chronic pain after splenic injury may be higher than previously believed.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The risk for postmononucleosis splenic injuries remains elevated longer than current guidelines suggest. Restricting activity for 31 days after mononucleosis symptom onset may reduce the risk of splenic injury.

Outcomes Following Blunt Traumatic Splenic Injury Treated with Conservative or Operative Management

INTRODUCTION

Laparotomy, embolization, and observation are described for blunt splenic injury management. This study evaluated outcomes of blunt splenic injury management based on baseline factors, splenic injury severity, and associated injuries.

METHODS

A nine-year retrospective review was conducted of adult patients with blunt splenic injury. Collected data included demographics, injury characteristics, treatment modality, complications, and outcomes (mechanical ventilation, days on mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit [ICU] admission and length of stay, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality). Categorical and continuous variables were analyzed using χ² analysis and one-way analysis of variance for normally distributed variables and a non-parametric test of medians for variables that did not meet the assumption of normality, respectively.

RESULTS

Splenic injury grade was similar between operative and embolization groups, but severe hemoperitoneum was more common in the operative group. Complications and mortality were highest in the operative group (50.7% and 26.3%, respectively) and lowest in the embolization group (5.3% and 2.6%, respectively). Operative patients required more advanced interventions (ICU admission, mechanical ventilation). There were no differences between those treated with proximal versus distal embolization. Observation carried a failure rate of 11.2%, with no failures of embolization.

CONCLUSIONS

Embolization patients had the lowest rates of complications and mortality, with comparable splenic injury grades to those treated operatively. Further prospective research is warranted to identify patients that may benefit from early embolization and avoidance of major abdominal surgery.

Selective non-operative management for penetrating splenic trauma: a systematic review

Introduction

The treatment of abdominal solid organ injuries has shifted towards non-operative management (NOM). However, the feasibility of NOM for penetrating splenic trauma is unclear and outcome is believed to be worse than NOM for penetrating liver and kidney injuries. Hence, the aim of the current systematic review was to evaluate the feasibility of selective NOM in penetrating splenic injury.

Methods

A review of literature was performed using Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases. Studies on adult patients treated by NOM for splenic injuries were included and outcome was documented and compared.

Results

Five articles from exclusively level-1 and level-2-traumacenters were selected and a total of 608 cases of penetrating splenic injury were included. Nonoperative management was applied in 123 patients (20.4%, range 17–33%). An overall failure rate of NOM of 18% was calculated. Mortality was not seen in patients selected for nonoperative management. Contra-indicatons for NOM included hemodynamic instability, absence of abdominal CT-scanning to rule out concurrent injuries and peritonitis.

Conclusions

This review demonstrates that non-operative management for penetrating splenic trauma in highly selected patients has been utilized in several well-equipped and experienced trauma centers. NOM of penetrating splenic injury in selected patients is not associated with increased morbidity nor mortality. Data on the less well-equipped and experienced trauma centers are not available. More prospective studies are required to further define exact selection criteria for non-operative management in splenic trauma.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00068-019-01117-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Hospital level variations in the trends and outcomes of the nonoperative management of splenic injuries - a nationwide cohort study

Background

The long-term treatment trends of splenic injuries can provide guidance when treating trauma patients. The nonoperative management (NOM) of splenic injuries was introduced in early 1989. After decades of development, it has proven to be safe and is now the primary treatment choice worldwide. However, there remains a lack of nationwide registry data to support the feasibility and efficiency of NOM.

Methods

We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a whole population-based cohort study. Patients admitted with blunt splenic injuries from 2002 to 2013 were identified. Demographic data, management methods, associated injuries, comorbidities and outcome parameters were collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups by the type of admitting institution: a tertiary center or a non-center hospital. We also used 4 years as an interval to analyze the changes in epidemiological data and treatment trends. Comparisons of the results of NOM and surgical management were also performed.

Results

A total of 12,455 patients were admitted with blunt splenic injuries between 2002 and 2013. Among the 11,551 patients treated in a single hospital after admission, patients underwent NOM more frequently at tertiary centers than at non-center hospitals (64.6% vs 50.3%). During the 12-year study period, the NOM rate increased from 56 to 73% in tertiary centers, while in noncenter hospitals, the rate only increased from 43 to 58%. The mortality rate decreased in tertiary centers from 8.9 to 7.2%, with no apparent change in noncenter hospitals. Complications occurred more frequently in the surgical management group.

Conclusion

There is a trend toward the use of NOM for blunt splenic injury treatments, and the outcomes from the NOM groups were not inferior to those of the operation group. In addition, tertiary centers performed more NOM than did non-center hospitals and better met the international consensus.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13049-018-0578-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Surgical Management of Solid Organ Injuries

Surgery used to be the treatment of choice in patients with solid organ injuries. This has changed over the past 2 decades secondary to advances in noninvasive diagnostic techniques, increased availability of less invasive procedures, and a better understanding of the natural history of solid organ injuries. Now, nonoperative management (NOM) has become the initial management strategy used for most solid organ injuries. Even though NOM has become the standard of care in patients with solid organ injuries in most trauma centers, surgeons should not hesitate to operate on a patient to control life-threatening hemorrhage.

Non-operative management for penetrating splenic trauma: how far can we go to save splenic function?

BACKGROUND

Selective non-operative management (NOM) for the treatment of blunt splenic trauma is safe. Currently, the feasibility of selective NOM for penetrating splenic injury (PSI) is unclear. Unfortunately, little is known about the success rate of spleen-preserving surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of selective NOM for penetrating splenic injuries.

METHODS

A dual-centre study is performed in two level-one trauma centres. All identified patients treated for PSI were identified. Patients were grouped based on the treatment they received. Group one consisted of splenectomised patients, the second group included patients treated by a spleen-preserving surgical intervention, and group three included those patients who were treated by NOM.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients with a median age of 27 and a median ISS of 25 (interquartile range (IQR) 16-34) were included. Ninety-six patients required operative intervention, of whom 45 underwent a total splenectomy and 51 underwent spleen-preserving surgical procedures. Furthermore, 22 patients (12 stab wounds and 10 gunshot wounds) were treated by NOM. There were several anticipated significant differences in the baseline encountered. The median hospitalization time was 8 (5-12) days, with no significant differences between the groups. The splenectomy group had significantly more intensive care unit (ICU) days (2(0-6) vs. 0(0-1)) and ventilation days (1(0-3) vs. 0(0-0)) compared to the NOM group. Mortality was only noted in the splenectomy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Spleen-preserving surgical therapy for PSI is a feasible treatment modality and is not associated with increased mortality. Moreover, a select group of patients can be treated without any surgical intervention at all.

Splenic rupture in infectious mononucleosis: A systematic review of published case reports

INTRODUCTION

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a common viral illness that predominantly causes sore throat, fever and cervical lymphadenopathy in adolescents and young adults. Although usually a benign, self-limiting disease, it is associated with a small risk of splenic rupture, which can be life-threatening. It is common practice therefore to advise avoiding vigorous physical activity for at least 4-6 weeks, however this is not based on controlled trials or national guidelines. We reviewed published case reports of splenic rupture occurring in the context of IM in an attempt to ascertain common factors that may predict who is at risk.

METHOD

A search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed for case reports or series published between 1984 and 2014. In total, 52 articles or abstracts reported 85 cases. Data was extracted and compiled into a Microsoft Excel(®) spreadsheet.

RESULTS

The average patient age was 22 years, the majority (70%) being male. The average time between onset of IM symptoms and splenic rupture was 14 days, with a range up to 8 weeks. There was a preceding history of trauma reported in only 14%. Abdominal pain was the commonest presenting complaint of splenic rupture, being present in 88%. 32% were successfully managed non-operatively, whereas 67% underwent splenectomy. Overall mortality was 9%.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

From our data, it appears that men under 30 within 4 weeks of symptom onset are at highest risk of splenic rupture, therefore particular vigilance in this group is required. As cases have occurred up to 8 weeks after the onset of illness, we would recommend avoidance of sports, heavy lifting and vigorous activity for 8 weeks. Should the patient wish to return to high risk activities prior to this, an USS should be performed to ensure resolution of splenomegaly. The majority of cases reviewed had no preceding trauma, although previous studies have suggested this may be so minor as to go unnoticed by the patient. It is therefore prudent to warn patients about the symptoms of splenic rupture to ensure prompt presentation and minimise treatment delay rather than focusing purely on activity limitation.

Nonoperative management of splenic injuries: significance of age

BACKGROUND

In the nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt splenic injuries (BSI), the clinical relevance of age as a risk factor has not been well studied.

METHODS

Using the 2011 National Trauma Data Bank data set, age was analyzed both as a continuous variable and a categorical variable (group 1 [13-54 y], group 2 [55-74 y], and group 3 [≥75 y]). BSI severity was stratified by abbreviated injury scale (AIS): group 1 (AIS ≤2), group 2 (AIS 3), and group 3 (AIS ≥4). A semiparametric proportional odds model was used to model NOM outcomes and effects due to age and BSI severity.

RESULTS

Of 15,113 subjects, 15.3% failed NOM. The odds of failure increased by a factor of 1.014 for each year of age, or factor of 1.5 for groups 2 and 3 each. BSI severity groups 2 and 3 had increases in the odds of failure by factors of 3.9 and 13, respectively, compared with those of group 1. Most failures occurred by 48 h irrespective of age. The effect of age was most pronounced in age groups 2 and 3 with the most severe BSI, where a NOM failure rate of >50% was seen. Both age and failure of NOM were independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Age is associated with failure of NOM but its effect seems more clinically relevant only in high-grade BSI. Factors that could influence NOM success in elderly patients with high-grade injuries deserve further study.

More becomes less: management strategy has definitely changed over the past decade of splenic injury--a nationwide population-based study

Background. Blunt spleen injury is generally taken as major trauma which is potentially lethal. However, the management strategy has progressively changed to noninvasive treatment over the decade. This study aimed to (1) find out the incidence and trend of strategy change; (2) investigate the effect of change on the mortality rate over the study period; and (3) evaluate the risk factors of mortality. Materials and Methods. We utilized nationwide population-based data to explore the incidence of BSI during a 12-year study period. The demographic characteristics, including gender, age, surgical intervention, blood transfusion, availability of CT scans, and numbers of coexisting injuries, were collected for analysis. Mortality, hospital length of stay, and cost were as outcome variables. Results. 578 splenic injuries were recorded with an estimated incidence of 48 per million per year. The average 12-year overall mortality rate during hospital stay was 5.28% (29/549). There is a trend of decreasing operative management in patients (X², P = 0.004). The risk factors for mortality in BSI from a multivariate logistic regression analysis were amount of transfusion (OR 1.033, P < 0.001, CI 1.017–1.049), with or without CT obtained (OR 0.347, P = 0.026, CI 0.158–0.889), and numbers of coexisting injuries (OR 1.346, P = 0.043, CI 1.010–1.842). Conclusion. Although uncommon of BSI, management strategy is obviously changed to nonoperative treatment without increasing mortality and blood transfusion under the increase of CT utilization. Patients with more coexisting injuries and more blood transfusion had higher mortality.

Non-operative management of splenic trauma

The risk of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI) prompted the evolution toward preservation of the injured spleen. Nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt injury to the spleen in adults has become the standard of care in hemodynamically stable patients. This modality of treatment began in the 1970's in paediatric patients. It is highly successful with overall failures rates from 2% to 31% (average 10.8%)--with the majority of failures occurring in the first 24 hours. Current, NOM of splenic trauma includes splenic artery embolization.However, the criteria for NOM are controversial. In this study we present the current criteria, the evolution and failure rates of this type of management viewed through the general knowledge and, particularly, our experience.

Trauma registries: history, logistics, limitations, and contributions to emergency medicine research

Trauma registries have been designed to serve a number of purposes, including quality improvement, injury prevention, clinical research, and policy development. Since their inception over 30 years ago, there are increasingly more institutions with trauma registries, many of which submit data to a national trauma registry. The goal of this review is to describe the history, logistics, and characteristics of trauma registries and their contribution to emergency medicine and trauma research. Discussed in this review are the limitations of trauma registries, such as variability in quality and type of the collected data, absence of data pertaining to long-term and functional outcomes, prehospital information, and complications as well as other methodologic obstacles limiting the utility of registry data in clinical and epidemiologic research.

Spleen artery embolization aggravates endotoxin hyporesponse of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with spleen injury

BACKGROUND

: Spleen artery embolization (SAE) increases the success of nonoperative management of spleen injury; however, the immune alternation after SAE is unclear. This study searched the endotoxin responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in injured patients who received SAE.

METHODS

: Patients were subsequently enrolled when their spleen injuries were confirmed by computed tomographic scan. Peripheral blood samples were obtained within first, at third, fifth, and seventh postinjury days. PBMCs were isolated; nuclear factor (NF)-kB translocations, phosphorylated I-kB expressions, and in vitro tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels were assayed after endotoxin stimulation (ES).

RESULTS

: Sixteen patients who received nonoperative managements were enrolled. Five patients received SAE (embolized patients) and 11 patients did not (nonembolized patients). Compared with those in controls, NF-kB translocations, phosphorylated I-kB expressions, and TNF-alpha levels after ES decreased significantly early in injured patients. NF-kB translocation and TNF-alpha levels after ES were indifferent at seventh day between nonembolized patients and controls, whereas significantly lower NF-kB p65 translocation and TNF-alpha levels after ES were found at seventh postinjury day in embolized patients than in controls. Compared with nonembolized patients, embolized patients had significantly lower levels of NF-kBp50 translocations after ES from first to third postinjury days and lower levels of NF-kB p65 translocations, TNF-alpha, and phosphorylated I-kB expressions after ES from first to fifth postinjury days.

CONCLUSIONS

: SAE dysregulates the NF-kB system and aggravates the cytokine hyporesponse upon ES of PBMCs in patients with spleen injury. These results implicate that SAE alters immune response and may increase susceptibility to infections in injured patients.

Laparoscopic repair of penetrating splenic injury

Historically, all splenic injuries were treated with splenectomy. In recent decades, however, there has been a trend toward splenic conservation methods in an attempt to preserve immunologic functions. Although cases of splenic conservation in the setting of penetrating injuries exist in the literature, this method of management is more commonly attempted in blunt traumas. When presented with penetrating splenic trauma, surgeons generally still proceed directly to exploratory laparotomy with splenectomy. Splenic injuries are rarely repaired with splenorrhaphy due to surgeon inexperience and concern for reoperation. We conclude from this case that when presented with a penetrating splenic trauma in a hemodynamically stable patient, management by laparoscopic exploration with splenorrhaphy can be safe and effective.

Beyond splenectomy — options for the management of splenic trauma

The spleen remains a vulnerable organ to blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma and recognition of its important immunological role has meant that alternatives to mandatory splenectomy for splenic injury are now available. This article examines the alternatives to splenectomy and then discusses the post-splenectomy management of patients.

Advances in Abdominal Trauma

Emergency practitioners routinely encounter patients who suffer from abdominal trauma, be it blunt or penetrating. These injuries are often confounded by altered mental status, distracting injuries, or lack of historical information, and may present challenges in management. However, in the last several years new approaches to the diagnosis and management of abdominal trauma, including bedside ultrasound, newer generation computed tomography scans, laparoscopy, and the ability for selected nonoperative management expedite identification of life threatening injury and offer new options in treatment.

Use of fibrin glue (Tissucol) as a hemostatic in laparoscopic conservative treatment of spleen trauma

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fibrin glue in laparoscopic spleen-preserving procedures for traumatic rupture.

METHODS

From January 2002 to December 2005, six laparoscopic spleen-preserving procedures were performed for traumatic rupture using fibrin glue. Two of the cases had previous middle and lower abdominal surgery. Survey of the abdominal cavity was performed by inserting two 5- to 12-mm trocars, one 5-mm trocar, and a 30 degree scope. A complete survey of all the patients was performed.

RESULTS

None of the patients required laparotomy, and no postoperative bleeding occurred. The fibrin sealant achieved immediate hemostasis, and all the patients recovered without further splenic bleeding. The mean postoperative stay was 4.3 days (range, 4-5 days). All the patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months. Postoperative immunoglobulin scanning, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT) results were normal.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic management of spleen trauma can be used once a positive diagnosis has been made. It is useful for assessing the degree of splenic injury. A laparoscopic spleen-preserving procedure can be used safely for patients with stable vital data. It is an effective procedure for the evaluation and treatment of hemodynamically stable patients with splenic injuries for whom nonoperative treatment is controversial. The topical application of a fibrin sealant in splenic trauma achieves definitive hemostasis safely, rapidly, and reliably. It also is simple to use in either laparoscopic or open procedures.

Management of spleen injuries in the adult trauma population: a ten-year experience

BACKGROUND

Increasing awareness of the postoperative risks associated with splenectomies has led physicians and surgeons to use an alternative nonoperative strategy in handling traumatic spleen injuries. Our primary objective was to compare clinical outcomes between operative and nonoperative managements in adult patients with blunt splenic injuries. The secondary objective was to assess the changes in the patterns of managing splenic injuries in the past 10 years.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review on 266 adult patients with a spleen injury who were admitted to a tertiary trauma centre in Ontario between 1992 and 2001. We grouped and compared the patients according to the treatment received, either operative or nonoperative. Frequencies and confidence intervals are reported. Categorical variables were compared with chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. Continuous variables were reported as median and quartile (Q) and were compared with the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Of 266 patients, 118 had surgery and 148 were managed nonoperatively. The mortality rate was similar between operative and nonoperative groups (9.3% v. 6.8%, p = 0.49), respectively. The rate of any complication was 47.9% for the operative group and 37.9% for the nonoperative group. The median length of stay in hospital was significantly higher in the operative group than in the nonoperative group (21.0 [Q 11.0-40.5] v. 14.0 [Q 7.0-31.5] d, p < 0.001), respectively. This difference was more likely related to a higher proportion of patients having injury severity scores greater than 25 in the operative group. The rate of nonoperative management of spleen injuries was significantly increased from 48.5% to 63.1% between 1992-1996 and 1997-2001 (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The present study has shown that nonoperative management of blunt spleen trauma has increased over time and has acceptable mortality and complication rates in selected patients. Additional prospective studies are needed to assess the feasibility and safety of nonoperative management in adult spleen injuries. Furthermore, the management of traumatic spleen injuries with respect to associated injuries, such as head injuries or intra-abdominal injuries, needs ongoing evaluation.

Evolution, not revolution: splenic salvage for blunt trauma in a statewide voluntary trauma system—a 10-year experience

BACKGROUND

State-legislated trauma systems have been enacted in an attempt to improve trauma care. Blunt splenic injury incidence without a legislated trauma system was examined for changes in care with a hypothesis that a voluntary system may perform equally with a legislated system.

METHODS

Data from a statewide discharge database for the years 1993 to 2002 were examined.

RESULTS

There were 276,425 trauma admissions overall, with blunt splenic injury occurring in 1.76%. Average Injury Severity Score (ISS) increased in trauma centers and decreased in the community. Trauma centers (TC) had more multisystem injuries. Splenic injury diagnosis increased 44% in TC between the early and late periods but only 7% in community facilities. Splenectomies increased 16% in TC but declined 16% in community hospital. Splenic salvage rate improved at both types of facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Splenic salvage rates improved over time in hospitals with no formal trauma system. Community hospitals cared for more than 50% of splenic injuries but transferred complex multisystem injuries, including splenic injuries, suggesting evolving care. Non-invasive imaging has increased the recognition of splenic injuries in both community hospitals and TC. Splenectomies are performed less, but have increased in TC with increasing ISS scores.

The role of diagnostic algorithms in the management of blunt splenic injury

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic algorithms for patients with blunt abdominal trauma have been in use since 1995. This study investigated the role of diagnostic algorithms in the management of adult patients with blunt splenic injury at our institution.

METHODS

A retrospective review of hospital records was performed to enroll patients with blunt injury of the spleen. Demographic data and information about injury severity, diagnostic methods, management and final outcomes were evaluated. Patients were separated into an early and late group according to the year that diagnostic algorithms were used (1990-1994 or 1995-1999).

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-one patients were enrolled. Initially, 71 patients had an operation (OP group), whereas 50 received non-operative management (NOM group). Patients in the OP versus NOM group had lower blood pressure and greater transfusion volumes in the emergency room, higher grade splenic injury, and a greater rate of intra-abdominal-related injury. NOM failed in 7 patients (14%). Early- versus late-group patients were less likely to have NOM and high grade splenic injury; however, the rate of NOM failure was not different between the early and late groups.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic algorithms using sonograms for screening provide an initial means of selecting patients for NOM. Patients with higher grades of splenic injury can then be managed non-operatively.

[Splenic capping in the treatment of severe spleen injuries]

INTRODUCTION

Permanent and lifelong threat of developing fatal sepsis and other severe infections in splenectomized patients is an important reason for promoting splenic preservation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Experimental preservation of severe spleen injuries (grade IV), with splenic-capping, was performed in 30 dogs, operated using Ketalar anesthesia. Spleen preservation and concomitant treatment of excessive hemorrhage were achieved by highly controlled "conic" compression of injuried spleen parenchyma, additional hemostatic Z-sutures and fibrin tissue adhesion.

RESULTS

Satisfactory hemostasis and complete preservation of the spleen parenchyma damage were achieved in 20% by splenic capping splenorraphy, alone. Additional placement of hemostatic sutures was necessary in 30%, and concomitant application of serum thymic factor (STF) FTA (along with sutures) in 50% of patients. The above mentioned techniques were very effective in achieving hemostasis (100%), with no mortality and low rate of postoperative complications--6.7% (1 intrasplenic abscess and 1 adhesive ileus).

CONCLUSION

Excellent results and efficacy, splenic capping-splenorraphy is the method of choice in the treatment of severe and multiple transcapsular spleen injuries with involvement of segmental vessels.

Isolated blunt splenic injury: do we transfuse more in an attempt to operate less?

OBJECTIVE

To determine if blood transfusion requirements in patients with isolated blunt splenic injury (BSI) are greater if they are managed nonoperatively, we did a retrospective case study of patients with isolated BSI who were seen at a Canadian university teaching hospital over a 10-year period.

METHOD

Data such as number of units of packed erythrocytes transfused and mortality in the 75 patients with isolated BSI seen from 1992 to 2002 were separated into operative and nonoperative management groups.

RESULTS

In the operative management group (n = 10), patients received more transfused erythrocytes (3.0 v. 0.7 units), and a higher proportion of patients were transfused (80% v. 20%). There were no deaths in either group.

CONCLUSION

In the management of isolated BSI, initial nonoperative management does not increase patients' requirements for blood transfusion.

Hospital Factors Associated with Splenectomy for Splenic Injury: A National Perspective

BACKGROUND

The management of patients with splenic injury has shifted from routine splenectomy to attempts at splenic salvage. Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS), we assessed the patterns of care for splenic trauma. We hypothesized that the processes of care in urban and rural hospitals would differ.

METHODS

Generalized estimating equations were used to identify predictor variables associated with laparotomy and splenectomy from a national, population-based sample of inpatients (HCUP-NIS). Fourteen thousand nine hundred one patients with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification discharge diagnosis code of 865 were selected from the 1998 to 2000 HCUP-NIS data. Exclusion criteria included age greater than 80 years. Analyses were compared using all patients and excluding patients who died during the first 2 hospital days.

RESULTS

Eight thousand five hundred fifty-three patients were treated in urban teaching hospitals. Forty percent underwent a laparotomy and 28% underwent a splenectomy at that time. Another 4,461 patients were cared for in urban nonteaching hospitals. Of these, 46% had a laparotomy and 35% underwent a splenectomy. The remaining 1,887 patients were seen in rural hospitals. Forty-six percent had a laparotomy and 36% had a splenectomy. Patients in urban teaching hospitals had lower risk-adjusted odds of splenectomy in multivariate models controlling for confounders including overall injury severity. Overall splenic salvage increased from 1998 to 2000, primarily because of increased salvage rates among urban teaching hospitals.

CONCLUSION

The management of patients with splenic injury differs among urban teaching, urban nonteaching, and rural hospitals. Surgeons at urban teaching hospitals appear more willing to attempt splenic salvage by means of nonoperative management.

Resource utilization and its management in splenic trauma

BACKGROUND

This study compared resource utilization and its management for splenic injury at 2 level-I trauma centers and a pediatric referral center with other facilities in a state currently developing a trauma system.

METHODS

Management strategy, length of stay, and total charges for children were compared among the pediatric referral center, trauma centers, and other facilities. Adult management, length of stay, and total charges were compared between trauma centers and other facilities.

RESULTS

Nonoperative management was more frequent in children at the pediatric referral center than trauma centers or other facilities and was more common in adults at trauma centers than at other facilities. Mean length of stay and total charges for children were significantly greater at the pediatric referral center and trauma centers than at other facilities and for adults at trauma centers than at other facilities. Facility type was associated with length of stay and total charges when injury type and severity were controlled.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonoperative management of splenic injury is more common at trauma centers, and splenic trauma management may be more costly at trauma centers.

[The role of splenic implants in spleen injuries and postoperative immunity]

INTRODUCTION

Spleen preservation by autotransplantation is indicated in cases of injuries which result with conquassation or total devascularization of this organ.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty dogs, experimental group, had multiple, devascularized spleen injuries and underwent splenectomy and splenic autotransplantation. The same number of animals were treated by primary splenectomy (control group). Seventy five days later, animals from both groups were exposed to pneumococcal sepsis--by intravenous inoculation of sublethal pneumococcal doses, in order to estimate the immunity of lienal implants and compare the mortality rate between these two groups.

RESULTS

Positive hemoculture, as well as logarithmic increase of diplococci in blood samples was established in all 60 animals. Higher mortality rate and significantly higher pneumococcal growth was established in control, compared to experimental group.

CONCLUSION

These results point to the important role of lienal implants in total immunity and advantage of autotransplantation compared to conventional splenectomy, in cases of most severe and nonreconstructibile spleen injuries.

Management of Adult Splenic Injury: A 20-Year Perspective

The objective of this study was to identify changes in the management of blunt splenic injury in adults. Hospital discharge abstract data from Maine were used to identify patients ≥16 years old discharged between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 2000 with International Classification of Diseases (9th revision) codes indicating splenic injury. Incidence of operative intervention and outcomes for trauma hospitals and other hospitals were determined. The number of splenic injuries was about 75 per year for the first 15 years increasing to 96 per year in the last 5-year period. The rate of operative intervention declined from 71 to 41 per cent and was lower at the trauma hospitals during the last two 5-year periods (41% vs 53%). The rate of operative intervention >24 hours after admission was 2.2 per cent during the last 10 years of study. The rate of splenorrhaphy remained stable at about 12 per cent throughout the study period. Mortality rates were higher at the trauma hospitals as were the numbers of patients with very severe injuries (Injury Severity Score >25). There has been a marked decrease in rate of operative intervention for splenic injury in adults especially in the last 10 years. Rates of operative intervention were lower at the trauma hospitals despite higher injury severity. Frequency of delayed intervention was low and did not increase with lower operative rate.

[Second hemorrhage in patients with splenic injuries]

Although the diagnosis of spleen injuries is not a considerable clinical problem today, subsequent ruptures of this organ may occur in a smaller number of patients (2-5% of total proportion of spleen injuries) following the so-called "free interval". Such injuries are most commonly explained by present hematoma localized in the central spleen, which becomes larger in time, and eventually causes its rupture. This form of lesion may be found both in isolated blunt abdominal injuries and in associated injuries. When it is the question of delayed hemorrhage, our results as well as data obtained from foreign literature, suggest three basic rise factors of the etiology of this type of injury. These are as follows: a) spleen injuries in severe trauma or polytrauma, b) older patients (over 65 years of age), and c) in cases when more than a single blood unit had to be administered for the initial hemodynamic stabilization of a patient. Delayed hemorrhage, which is occult in polytraumatized patients since it is frequently "disguised" by severity of clinical picture and traumatic shock, may subsequently cause sudden fall of hemogram and hemodynamic parameter values, and if immediate surgery is not performed, it may lead to heavy bleeding and lethal outcome of the patient.

[Autotransplantation of the spleen]

Auto transplantation of the spleen can be performed in the patients with traumatic rupture of the spleen, in whom spleen could not be conserved in the other way. The right indication for this method is isolated rupture of the spleen (concvasation or complete devascularisation). This method is not recommended in the endangered patients, patients with previous disease of the spleen as well as in the patients with the perforation of the other abdominal organs at the same time. Auto transplantation was performed in 12 patients with isolated splenic rupture and hematoperitoneum, 11 men and one woman. The majority of patients are younger. In 8 patients, autotransplant was placed into big omentum, in three into lipomatous tissue surrounding left kidney, and in one into anterior abdominal wall. In all the patients from this group, following analysis were taken: MCV (middle volume of erythrocytes), HTC, Hb, Le, Glucose, urea, creatinin, sodium, potassium, alkali phosphatasis, target cells, Howell Jolly's bodies, Heinz's bodies, IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4, T3, T4, T8, B, segmentated, eosinophiles, lymphocytes, reticulocytes, thrombocytes, fibrinogen, PT, APTT, aggregation of thrombocytes and aggregation of thrombocytes on collagen. The same parameters were taken in 12 patients with surgery similar to splenectomy and in 12 after splenectomy. After splenectomy, there was decrease of the immunologic defending abilities of the organism because of the loss of the childrens function of the spleen, decreased level of the opsonines and tutsin, which leads to the impaired phagocytosis, decreased concentration of IgM and T and B lymphocytes, while in patients after auto transplantation the results were physiological. The most important thing in the assessment of the function of the autotransplanted spleen is scintigraphic investigation using 99mTc-denaturated red blood cells. In our study, auto transplant function was assessed in 10/12 patients by scintigraphy. Five years after surgery, no one patient was proved to have postsplenectomic sepsis.

[Experimental and clinical possibilities of transplantation of the injured and totally devascularized spleen]

The most severe spleen lesions with conquasation and devascularisation of entire organ, when it is practically impossible to do any preservating surgical procedure, are the true indications for the transplantation of this extremely important immunological organ. We have performed the evaluation of the surgical procedure of heterotopic auto transplantation in the 30 dogs with severe spleen lesions. Simulation of totally devascularized spleen with the lesions of V degree was performed by disrupting all segmental blood vessels with deep and long longitudinal transhilar incision. During the 3 months follow-up period, animals were subjected to numerous explorations in order to macroscopically and histologically valuate the implant. In most cases (80-85%) implants had complete vitality with the preservation of normal tissue architecture, while 15-20% of implants had partial or total fibrosis. There were no mortality and no complications after this preservation procedure. The presence of fibrosis in some implants suggests that the implant preparation should be better performed and that transplantation of larger tissue volume is needed. Enriched with this experimental experience we have performed heterotopic auto transplantation in 2 patients with spleen lesion of V degree (car accident and injury at work) with very satisfactory results.

Prospective Evaluation of Criteria for the Nonoperative Management of Blunt Splenic Trauma

Recent reports have shown an increased mortality associated with the nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury. We have prospectively applied criteria developed from our previous 15-year experience for the nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt splenic injury. These criteria consist of 1) hemodynamic stability on admission or after initial resuscitation with up to two liters of crystalloid infusion, 2) no physical findings or any associated injuries necessitating laparotomy, and 3) a transfusion requirement attributable to the splenic injury of 2 units or less. From 1994 through 2000 a total of 99 patients presented with blunt splenic injury. Thirty-one patients (31%) underwent splenectomy secondary to hemodynamic instability. During the observation period eight of the 68 patients (12%) who initially met criteria for NOM developed hemodynamic instability and underwent splenectomy. All NOM failures occurred within 72 hours of admission. There was no mortality associated with splenic injury in the NOM (Group I) or in the group failing NOM (Group II), and no associated morbidities from the splenic injury were seen in either group. No significant differences were seen between Groups I and II in terms of age, gender, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, admitting systolic blood pressure, admitting hemoglobin, transfusion requirements, intensive care unit length of stay, or total hospital length of stay (all P > 0.200). We conclude that established criteria for intervention and careful observation in an intensive care setting for at least 72 hours will minimize morbidity or mortality associated with blunt splenic injury in adults.

The Role of Follow-up Radiographic Studies in Nonoperative Management of Spleen Trauma

The management of splenic injuries has evolved significantly in recent years from an operative to a nonoperative approach in stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma. The management of these patients with serial radiographic studies before hospital discharge remains controversial. We reviewed the management of 90 patients retrospectively who were admitted to our Level II trauma center with splenic injuries secondary to blunt trauma to determine the value of serial radiographic studies. Forty-seven (52%) patients underwent immediate laparotomy. Forty-three (48%) patients were managed conservatively without surgery. All nonoperative patients had an initial CT of the abdomen to evaluate their abdominal injuries. Among the 43 patients managed without surgery 31 had no follow-up radiographic studies. Twelve patients had follow-up studies before discharge. Two of these 12 patients subsequently underwent splenectomy. Both had developed hypotension, tachycardia, and a decreasing hematocrit, which prompted their repeat radiographic studies. Ten patients had no change in their clinical status and showed no significant change in the radiographic injury pattern to the spleen. One patient who was initially managed nonoperatively became hemodynamically unstable with increasing abdominal pain and subsequently underwent splenectomy without follow-up radiographic studies. The remaining 30 patients who had no follow-up studies had no significant change in their clinical abdominal examinations and had no further complications from their splenic injuries. Routine follow-up radiographic evaluations are not necessary in the nonoperative management of stable patients with splenic injuries.

Significance of minimal or no intraperitoneal fluid visible on CT scan associated with blunt liver and splenic injuries: a multicenter analysis

BACKGROUND

The use of ultrasound (U/S) for the evaluation of patients with blunt abdominal trauma is gaining increasing acceptance. Patients who would have undergone computed tomographic (CT) scan may now be evaluated solely with U/S. Solid organ injuries with minimal or no free fluid may be missed by surgeon sonographers.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence and clinical importance of liver and splenic injuries with minimal or no free intraperitoneal fluid visible on CT scan. We hypothesized that these solid organ injuries occur infrequently and are of minor clinical significance.

METHODS

Patient records and CT scans were reviewed for the presence of and outcome associated with blunt liver and splenic injuries with minimal (<250 mL) or no free fluid detected by an attending radiologist. Data were collected from six major trauma centers during a 4-year period before the introduction of U/S and included demographics, grade of injury (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma scale), need for operative intervention, and outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 938 patients with liver and splenic injuries were identified. In this group, 11% of liver injuries and 12% of splenic injuries had no free fluid visible on CT scan and could be missed by diagnostic peritoneal lavage or U/S. Of the 938 patients, 267 (28%) met the inclusion criteria; 161 had injury to the spleen and 125 had injury to the liver. In the 267 patients studied, 97% of the injuries were managed nonoperatively. However, 8 patients (3%) required operative intervention for bleeding. Compared with the liver, the spleen was significantly more likely to bleed (p = 0.01), but the grade of splenic injury was not related to the risk for hemorrhage (p = 0.051).

CONCLUSION

Data from this study suggest that injuries to the liver or spleen with minimal or no intraperitoneal fluid visible on CT scan occur more frequently than predicted but usually are of minimal clinical significance. However, patients with splenic injuries may be missed by abdominal U/S. We found a 5% associated risk of bleeding. Therefore, abdominal U/S should not be used as the sole diagnostic modality in all stable patients at risk for blunt abdominal injury.

Nonoperative Management of Blunt Splenic Injury in Adults 55 Years and Older: A Twenty-Year Experience

The nonoperative management of splenic injury secondary to blunt trauma in older patients remains controversial. We have reviewed our experience from January 1978 to December 1997 with selective nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury in adults 55 years and older. Criteria for nonoperative management included hemodynamic stability with any transient hypotension corrected using less than 2000 cm3 crystalloid infusion, a negative abdominal physical examination ruling out associated injuries, and a blood transfusion requirement of no more than 2 units attributable to the splenic injury. During the study period, 18 patients over age 55 with radiographic confirmation of a splenic injury met the above criteria for nonoperative management. Their mean age was 72 years (range 56–86), and 13 of the 18 were female (72%). The mean Injury Severity Score was 15 (range 4–29), with the mechanism of injury equally divided between automobile crashes (9) and falls (9). During a similar time period, 15 patients 55 years or older with splenic injury composed an operative group; these patients did not differ with respect to age (mean 68 years), sex (60% female), or mechanism of injury. CT scans of 8 patients managed nonoperatively were available and graded using the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma classification, with a mean score of 2.3 (range 2–3). Eight of the 18 nonsurgical patients received blood transfusions. None of the 18 patients who met the criteria for nonoperative management “failed” the protocol, and none were taken to the operating room for abdominal exploration. Two patients (11%) died of associated thoracic injuries after lengthy hospital stays, one at 10 days and one at 24 days. We conclude from our data that nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury in patients age 55 years and older is indicated provided they are hemodynamically stable, do not require significant blood transfusion, and have no other associated abdominal injuries.

Conservative management of penetrating torso trauma

Trauma has evolved as a specialty of its own over the past two decades, and has been the subject of much research and a huge number of trials, many of which are ongoing. As a result, it is now possible to apply an evidence-based practice to many trauma scenarios. The management of penetrating injuries to the chest or abdomen has traditionally followed a policy of emergency surgery as the first course of action. This has now shown to be unnecessary in many cases, particularly with the advances in diagnostic tests and imaging modalities. A large number of cases of penetrating torso trauma may require an operation at some stage, but obtaining the clearest diagnostic picture and optimizing the clinical condition of the patient before this undertaking will result in improved outcome. A selective approach to emergency surgery, with its attendant difficulties, is now recommended

Blunt trauma to the spleen

BACKGROUND

The management of splenic injury resulting from blunt trauma in adults is controversial, with an increasing trend towards non-operative management and conservation of the spleen. A retrospective review was performed on adult patients treated in a single institution for splenic injury resulting from blunt trauma in an attempt to identify factors important in selecting an appropriate management option and predicting the success of that option.

METHODS

Associated injuries (standardized using Injury Severity Scores), clinical signs at presentation, computed tomographic grading of splenic injury, and transfusion requirements were documented. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric Mann-Whitney, Chi-squared, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and multivariate logistic regression tests.

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients were identified. Non-operative management was used on 39 patients, splenic conservation on 14 patients, and splenectomy on 32 patients. The mean Injury Severity Score was significantly lower in the non-operative group. Computed tomographic grading of the splenic injury was not found to correlate well with intraoperative findings. Transfusion requirements were lower in the non-operative group. Non-operative management failed in four patients; two had continued splenic bleeding, and two required surgery for other intra-abdominal injuries. Overall mortality was 7%. There was one death in the splenic conservation group, unrelated to the splenic injury, and two patients required a second laparotomy and splenectomy for persistent splenic bleeding. There were five deaths in the splenectomy group, only one of which was related to the splenic surgery.

CONCLUSION

Management of blunt splenic injury remains controversial. The decision to pursue non-operative management rather than splenic conservation or splenectomy depends on the individual merits of each case. There is an increasing trend towards splenic conservation, particularly in younger, stable patients with single organ injury.

[Surgical abstention in closed injuries of the spleen]

Splenic conservation avoids the overwhelming postsplenectomy infection. The high percentage of patients treated by noninvasive procedures would be due to the simple clinical course of splenic trauma and precision of diagnosis, using CT scan. Only clinical evaluation could provide further information on the indications for surgical treatment, as there is no available score regarding the value of CT scan for choosing the therapeutical option. Non-operative management of splenic ruptures should be considered in selected patients in whom hemodynamics is stable and closely monitored.