[Splenic trauma. Conservative treatment]

The spleen performs a wide range of important life functional at an hematological, immunological and hormonal level. The frequency of immediate and late complications following splenectomy suggest that the most conservative treatment possible must be adopted in cases of splenic trauma. The paper reports 180 cases observed during the period from January 1982 to August 1987. Conservative treatment was used to treat 92 patients. The real advantages of this methods are reviewed in relation to the stability of clinical conditions, the absence of associated abdominal lesions, and the availability of diagnostic equipment and intensive therapy units.