Late functional study of human spleen autotransplantation after severe splenic injuriesBACKGROUND: To evaluate clinical and laboratory variables in patients submitted to autotransplantation of the spleen. METHOD:In the present investigation 29 patients were studied with severe trauma of the spleen and its pedicle were studied. Of these, 20 were submitted to autotransplantation (Group I) and 9 were submitted to total splenectomy without preservation of splenic tissue (Group II). Twenty-two additional subjects with an intact spleen were used as controls (Group III). Immediate and late postoperative complications were investigated. Laboratory exams were performed during the late postoperative period (red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, and Howell-Jolly bodies). To investigate the immunological profiles of patients we performed B- and T-lymphocyte counts and immunoglobulin A, G and M (IgA, IgG and IgM) levels were determined. All patients were submitted to splenic scintigraphy with technetium 99mTc sulfur colloid. RESULTS: Group II presented increased Howell-Jolly bodies and low IgM levels. Splenic scintigraphy indicated the viability and filtering function of the splenic remnant in Group I. CONCLUSION: Autotransplantation is a good alternative when total splenectomy is required.
Spleen; Splenectomy; Autotransplantation; Spleen; Spleen
