BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of intermittent splenic artery occlusion plus gauze compression in treating iatrogenic splenic injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 12 iatrogenic splenic injury cases (grade I to III) treated with intermittent splenic artery occlusion plus gauze compression. The hemostatic effect was then observed after unblocking and decompression. The total operation time, gauze compression time, total blood loss, blood loss from the injured spleen, and platelet counts of each patient before and 1 week after surgery were noted.

RESULTS: The average operation time was 209.58±57.11 min, and the average gauze compression time after spleen artery occlusion was 23.75±4.33 min. The average total blood loss and blood loss due to iatrogenic spleen injury were 468.33±138.22 ml and 264.17±165.72 ml, respectively. Two cases (both grade I) had successful hemostasis after 15 min of splenic artery occlusion and wound compression. Another 9 cases (all grade II) and 1 case (grade III) attained hemostasis after 25 min and 30 min, respectively, of splenic artery occlusion and wound compression. The platelet counts of all patients were within the normal range before and 1 week after surgery. No postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent splenic artery occlusion plus gauze compression is a simple and effective treatment for iatrogenic splenic injury.

Keywords: general surgery, Iatrogenic Disease, Splenic Artery, Hemorrhage, Hemostatics, Spleen, Splenic Infarction, Therapeutic Occlusion, Vascular Diseases