Splenic embolization.

While transcatheter embolization of the spleen has shown promise in the treatment of a wide spectrum of disorders, the incidence of serious complications with this technique has limited its use as an alternative to operative splenectomy. In our institution 41 patients were treated with a modified technique involving partial splenic embolization, careful antibiotic prophylaxis, and adequate pain control. There was no mortality and only few instances of clinically significant complications: a splenic abscess in one patient, pancreatitis in one patient, severe pleural effusions in two patients, and pneumonia in five patients.