Debridement and replantation of the spleen with microsurgical restoration of blood flow.

Splenectomy continues to be the most commonly chosen method of management of traumatic injury to the spleen. However, patients of all age groups who have undergone splenectomy have significant impairment of immune functions as demonstrated by decreased production of IGM, tufsin, and properdin. This immune deficiency has been clinically manifested by an increased incidence of postsplenectomy pneumonia and sepsis which is reduced but not eliminated by the use of pneumococcal vaccine and/or prophylactic antibiotics. This paper presents the results of a study of the feasibility of repair and replantation of injured spleens using microsurgical techniques. Twenty cats had their spleens removed, finger-fractured, and debrided. The cats were then assigned to one of four groups. Group I had the entire spleen replanted but only 75% of the parenchyma revascularized. Group II had 75% of the parenchyma revascularized and replanted. Group III had 50% revascularized and replanted, and Group IV 25% revascularized and replanted. Patency of the anastomoses was assessed by postoperative arteriography. Restoration of reticuloendothelial (filter) function was assessed by the use of technetium sulphur colloid scans which showed preservation of reticuloendothelial function of the revascularized segments but absence of function in nonrevascularized segments which had been replanted. Histologic examination of replanted spleens harvested at 8 weeks showed normal architecture of red and white pulp in all areas that had been revascularized. However, in those spleens where the entire spleen had been replanted but only partially revascularized, the nonrevascularized segments were degenerated and atrophic.