Bowel obstruction due to infarcted splenosis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Splenosis, the autotransplantation of splenic tissue, can occur following splenic rupture.
• Traumatic splenic rupture necessitates management that may include splenectomy.

Observation:

• A case of splenosis presenting as bowel obstruction is detailed.
• Splenic implants were identified as the cause of the intestinal obstruction.

Findings:

• Splenosis is a rare but significant complication post-splenectomy.
• Splenic implants can manifest as abdominal pain and/or intestinal obstruction.

Implications:

• Splenosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for postsplenectomy patients with abdominal symptoms.
• Preservation of splenic implants during surgery is recommended to maintain splenic function and prevent postsplenectomy sepsis.