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Changes in splenic capsule with aging; beliefs and reality
Sara M Higginson1, Nicholas W Sheets2, Lawrence P Sue2
1Department of Surgery, UCSF Fresno, 1st Floor Admin, 2823 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA, 93721, USA; Regions Hospital Burn Center, 640 Jackson Street, St. Paul, MN, 55101, USA.
American Journal of Surgery
|October 19, 2019
Summary
The splenic capsule thickens with age, contrary to common belief. This research clarifies splenic capsule changes throughout life, impacting trauma management.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Gerontology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Limited research exists on splenic capsule properties and their role in non-operative splenic injury management.
- Understanding splenic capsule changes with age is crucial for effective clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess current beliefs among Trauma Medical Directors regarding splenic capsule thickness and aging.
- To investigate the actual changes in splenic capsule thickness throughout the human lifespan.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among Trauma Medical Directors concerning their views on splenic capsule thickness variation with age.
- Cadaveric splenic capsule specimens were analyzed to measure thickness and histological characteristics.
Main Results:
- 59% of surveyed directors incorrectly believed splenic capsule thickness diminishes with age.
- Analysis of 94 splenic specimens revealed thin, elastin-rich capsules in infants that thicken and develop collagen with aging.
- Splenic capsule thickness increases in childhood and stabilizes in adulthood.
Conclusions:
- Current perceptions of splenic capsule thickness decreasing with age are inaccurate.
- The splenic capsule demonstrates a significant increase in thickness during childhood, with adult thickness remaining stable.
- These findings necessitate a re-evaluation of assumptions regarding splenic capsule properties in trauma care.
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