A new technique for spleen autotransplantation

Although the efficacy of spleen autotransplantation is debated, this approach remains the only possibility for preserving splenic function after traumatic splenectomy. This report describes an alternative method for splenic autotransplantation in case of splenic trauma.

After splenectomy, the organ was weighed and the undamaged part was cut transversely to prepare a segment of approximately 4 × 3 × 2 cm in size and of 35 g of weight to be transplanted. The greater omentum was pedunculated in its left lateral portion, and the previously prepared splenic tissue was implanted in a pouch created at the lower edge of the omentum. The omental peduncle containing the splenic tissue was fixed to the parietal peritoneum of posterior left upper quadrant of the abdomen where the native spleen was previously located.

This technique was performed in 4 patients after informed consent had been obtained. The functionality of the splenic implant was assessed after 3 months by abdominal computed tomography and scintigraphy. These exams showed the functioning of the trasplanted splenic tissue in all patients.

This new technique needs further evaluation, but it appears to be an easy and safe alternative for spleen autotransplantation.