Implantation of autologous splenic tissue after splenectomy for trauma

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Implantation of autologous splenic tissue was performed in 2 patients after splenectomy for trauma. In order to demonstrate some function of the implanted splenic tissue, spleen scintigraphy, using 99Tcm‐labelled heat‐damaged autologous erythrocytes, and measurement of the percentage of circulating vacuolated erythrocytes were carried out 1 and 3 months after splenectomy. The spleen scans were positive after 1 month and the isotope uptake increased after 3 months, demonstrating splenic phagocytic function. The number of vacuolated erythrocytes also indicated some restoration of the pitting function of the implanted splenic tissue. No alterations in serum immunoglobulins were seen, but a moderate thrombocytosis and monocytosis persisted for 3 months. Future improvements in the implantation procedure are discussed.