Elective splenectomy - a comparison of management in children and adults.
Elective splenectomies were performed on 39 children and 366 adults at the same hospital from 1969 to 1979. Sex distribution, extent of operative blood loss, drainage routines and length of hospital stay were similar in both groups. However, differences were observed concerning the type of incision, early ligature of the splenic artery and postoperative complications. Subcostal and transrectal incisions were most frequently used, and can be recommended. Ligature of the splenic artery above the pancreas facilitated the extirpation of large spleens. Drainage can be omitted, provided that haemostasis is complete. The necessity of removing accessory spleens and pneumococcal vaccine administration are stressed.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000379:methods*; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines