title: Operative trauma to the spleen.
abstract: A patient is discussed in whom splenic rupture followed an elective uncomplicated cholecystectomy by two weeks. There was no known direct operative or postoperative trauma to the spleen and the spleen was microscopically normal with no evidence of organizing hematoma. Possible mechanisms of operative splenic injury to the spleen are reviewed and the importance of recognition of this entity by surgeons is emphasized.
mesh_terms: D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013154:Spleen / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D013156:Splenectomy; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology