Splenic embolization for hypersplenism using steel coils.
Splenic embolization using steel coils was performed in 28 patients with hypersplenism caused by portal hypertension. The patients were classified according to the site of placement of the steel coils: In group 1 (six patients), it was the proximal splenic artery; in group 2 (10 patients), the distal splenic artery in the hilum of the spleen; in group 3 (12 patients), the intrasplenic branches of the splenic artery. Platelet counts increased in 27 (96%) of 28 patients within 1 month after embolization; the mean platelet counts at 1 year after treatment were higher than before the procedure in all groups. In group 3, excellent increases in platelet counts were obtained both as short- and long-term results of embolization; however, minor complications lasted longer than in the other two groups. No serious complications resulted from this procedure. Splenic embolization using steel coils is a valuable alternative to splenectomy in patients with hypersplenism.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006971:Hypersplenism / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged