[Problems in emergency surgery: rupture of the spleen in 2 stages. Apropos of 4 cases]

Six cases of delayed rupture of the spleen in two stages are described. One case of occult rupture is also presented. A picture of acute anaemia was observed in the five two-stage cases, whereas the occult rupture was diagnosed as organised splenic haematoma following computerised scintiscanning, arteriography and tomography. Splenectomy was performed in all cases, under emergency conditions in the first five, and of choice in the sixth. No post-operative complications were noted.