title: Subtotal splenectomy for treatment of severe splenic injuries.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The spleen is an organ of the defense system with important roles in filtering functions, phagocytosis, and immunoglobulin production. Septic phenomena are severe complications that may occur after total splenectomy. To avoid these adverse effects, the preservation of the spleen is indicated. However, in the presence of severe spleen damage, lesions of the splenic pedicle, or both, complete removal of the spleen has been considered unavoidable.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present paper presents the preservation of the upper splenic pole supplied by the splenogastric vessels in six patients with severe injuries of the spleen and its pedicle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients had good postoperative courses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Subtotal splenectomy may be useful in the treatment of severe injuries of the distal part of the spleen, when the vessels of its pedicle are damaged, or both.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Unit of João XXIII Hospital, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Resende
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petroianu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013154:Spleen / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000379:methods*