[Transplant conditioning and transplant size in heterotopic autologous spleen transplantation].

In an experimental study we compared two methods of preparing transplants in rabbits (n = 66): 4-5 splenic fragments with a thickness of 1 mm and graduated weight (5-800 mg) were attached onto the peritoneal peritoneum. Splenic homogenates with increasing weight (5-800 mg) were placed in 4-5 preformed pockets in the parietal peritoneum. At different postoperative intervals (maximum 42 days), a relaparotomy was performed. The regenerated splenic tissue was dissected, weighted and histologically examined. We found a linear correlation between pre- and postoperative weight. However, this correlation applies only to the homogenates with a weight of maximal 200 mg and to the fragments with a weight of maximal 300 mg. We have come to the conclusion that homogenates regenerate better than fragments.