Absorbable Mesh Splenorrhaphy in an Adolescent with Blunt Splenic Rupture: A Case Report and Narrative Review

Operative management of blunt splenic trauma is rare in the paediatric population. Splenorrhaphy, with or without absorbable mesh, is a surgical procedure rarely used, although it preserves splenic function and has good outcomes. A 12-year-old girl accidentally fell from a height onto an iron bar. She complained of abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. Physical examination showed abdominal guarding and tenderness. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated haemoperitoneum and splenic lacerations, confirmed by a CT scan, which highlighted active splenic bleeding. As she became haemodynamically unstable despite saline administration, we performed an absorbable mesh splenorrhaphy. She also received a blood transfusion. Surgical outcomes were good. She was discharged home on postoperative day 12. At a two-year follow-up, she is doing well. Absorbable mesh splenorrhaphy is an effective surgical procedure in children with haemodynamically unstable splenic trauma. Few paediatric cases are reported in the literature despite its ease of performance, its advantage of preserving spleen function, and its good outcomes.