Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
02:09
Application of Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy with Total Blood Flow Occlusion in Benign Splenic Lesions
Published on: December 20, 2024
One hundred consecutive splenectomies for trauma: is histologic evaluation really necessary?
G Peter Fakhre1, Todd Berland, Matthew W Lube
1Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
The Journal of Trauma
|April 12, 2008
Summary
Routine spleen histology after trauma is often unnecessary. Most spleens removed for trauma show benign pathology, suggesting targeted evaluation is more efficient for patient care.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Surgical Pathology
- Abdominal Surgery
Background:
- Splenectomy is a common abdominal surgery for trauma patients.
- Current practice often includes routine histologic evaluation of removed spleens.
- The necessity of this routine evaluation for trauma spleens is questioned.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if routine histologic examination of spleens removed for trauma is necessary.
- To identify criteria for selective histologic evaluation of trauma-related splenectomy specimens.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 100 consecutive splenectomy specimens from trauma patients.
- Analysis of patient demographics, injury characteristics, and spleen pathology.
- Correlation of gross spleen appearance with microscopic findings.
Main Results:
- 99 out of 100 spleens (99%) showed benign microscopic pathology.
- Only one spleen with marked splenomegaly (1,800g) exhibited abnormal histology (extramedullary hematopoiesis).
- Most trauma patients were young (average age 34.4 years) and male (78%).
Conclusions:
- Routine microscopic evaluation of spleens after trauma is generally unnecessary.
- Histologic examination should be reserved for spleens with gross abnormalities or significant splenomegaly.
- This approach can optimize resource allocation in trauma care.