title: Splenic embolization for hypersplenism using steel coils.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006971:Hypersplenism / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged