Splenic artery ligation in splenic injuries.

The risk of sepsis after splenectomy is well known. This chiefly concerns the surgeon, who should make every effort to save an injured spleen. This may be achieved by not operating on selected cases, by partial resection, or by suturing the splenic ruptures. Another treatment is ligation of the splenic artery, which is simple and effective in controlling even severe bleeding without splenectomy. Five patients have been treated in this way without complications.