Adverse effect of splenectomy in experimental peritonitis

Area of Science:

• Surgical Research
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Splenectomy is associated with increased operative morbidity and mortality.
• Polymicrobial fecal peritonitis presents a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of splenectomy on mortality in a rat model of fecal peritonitis.
• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of cefoxitin (antibiotic) and glucan (immunomodulator) in this model.

Main Methods:

• Sprague-Dawley rats underwent splenectomy or sham surgery followed by peritoneal inoculation with stool-barium.
• Treatment groups included 5% dextrose, cefoxitin, glucan, or cefoxitin plus glucan.
• Bacterial cultures, leukocyte counts, and intravascular clearance assays were performed.

Main Results:

• Splenectomy significantly decreased survival rates (5% vs. 30%).
• Cefoxitin (90%) and glucan (47%) treatments markedly improved survival.
• Cefoxitin reduced bacterial growth; glucan decreased bloodborne bacteria. Splenectomy lowered leukocyte counts.

Conclusions:

• Splenectomy exacerbates mortality in fecal peritonitis.
• Both antibiotic and immunomodulatory treatments offer protection against mortality.
• The precise mechanisms underlying the protective effects require further elucidation.