[Splenic rupture. Diagnosis, clinical aspects and therapy]

It is reported about 73 traumatic ruptures of the spleen in a period of 19 years. The most frequent cause for rupturing were traffic accidents. The most important diagnostic procedure was peritoneal lavage, a rapid and well-aimed method. Therapy of choice is splenectomy. Prognosis depends on the time from accident to operation as well as on the severity of accompanying injuries. The course and cause of lethal courses are summarized. Ten patients who died in the postoperative phase, had polytraumatic injuries with three of more injured organs.