Splenic conservation after trauma in children.

In this study, we report on the management of 25 consecutive children with splenic injury. In 23 patients, the spleen was preserved (92 per cent) and two were treated by splenectomy. Five splenic injuries occurred in neonates. Four patients (16 per cent) were treated nonoperatively. We demonstrate that operative splenic conservation is usually possible and is a viable option when diagnostic doubt or logistic difficulties preclude safe nonoperative management. Avoidable operations were performed upon two patients (8 per cent). In four (16 per cent), associated intra-abdominal lesions requiring surgical treatment were encountered. In 60 per cent of the patients, extensive extra-abdominal trauma was present.