Autotransplantation for treatment of severe splenic lesions

The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory variables in patients undergoing spleen autotransplantation. We studied 29 patients with severe trauma of the spleen and its pedicle. Of these, 20 underwent autotransplantation (group I) and 9 underwent 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 counts 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 determined IgA, IgG, and IgM levels. All patients underwent splenic scintigraphy with technetium 99m sulfur colloid. Groups I and III did not present abnormal blood bodies, and their hematological and immunological patterns were normal. Group II showed increased numbers of Howell-Jolly bodies and low IgM levels. Splenic scintigraphy indicated the viability and filtering function of the splenic remnant in group I. Autotransplantation is a good option to maintain splenic function when total splenectomy is necessary.