[The possibilities for organ-preserving operations on the spleen]

Experience had with application of spleen salvaging operations in adult patients is shared. They are used traumatic lesions of the spleen in eleven patients, employing the method of Delany, as modified with the Bulgarian polyamide meshwork Ampoxen. In two of them the hemostasis fails, and splenectomy is resorted to. Preservation of the spleen is accomplished in one patient with chronic pancreatitis where left pancreatectomy with spleen preservation according to the technique of Pradere et al is done. In another female patient, presenting echinococcus of the spleen, echinococcectomy with preservation of the organ is performed. Based on updated knowledge of the role played by the spleen in promoting protection against infection, the strive for its salvage whenever possible is fully justified.