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.