[Conservative surgery of the spleen (author's transl)]

Total splenectomy has been the accepted treatment for splenic abnormalities, especially traumatic conditions, ever since surgery has been employed. Over the last few years, however, there has been the development of a conservative attitude because of improved recognition of long-term complications, and the application of new diagnostic, hemostatic and technical procedures. This has occurred more particularly in children, but also when iatrogenic lesions develop during operation. The risks and results are comparable to those of total splenectomy.