Splenic capping: an experimental study of a new technique for splenorrhaphy using woven polyglycolic acid mesh

The use of polyglycolic acid (PGA) stretchable mesh applied to the experimentally injured canine spleen can achieve satisfactory immediate hemostasis by tamponade and simplifies the use of sutures to control remaining areas of hemorrhage. PGA mesh with 1/4" and 1/8" openings was utilized for splenorrhaphy in 12 adult mongrel dogs subjected to sharp splenic trauma. By gross and histologic examination, the PGA mesh material appears to undergo progressive absorption to complete absorption by 85 days. For the 12 animals and 30 operative procedures the only complications of the use of the mesh were the occurrence of an intrasplenic seroma in a single animal at 6 weeks after operation and three wound infections. With this material, rapid, simple canine splenic injury repair can be achieved. PGA mesh further assists in the healing process, and in maintaining maximum splenic architecture and function. The material used in this study was manufactured and supplied by Davis & Geck, American Cyanamid, Danbury, Connecticut.