Data of spleen-scintiscanning after splenectomy

In 65 adult rabbits of both sexes (2.5 to 6 kg) the following salvaging procedures were performed after simulated trauma: (1) Continuous suture line; (2) closure with fibrin sealant after temporary clamping; (3) hemisplenectomy with omental wrap; (4) suture fixation of fragments and slices of spleen tissue to the peritoneum; (5) suture fixation of spleen fragments to the omentum; (6) extraperitoneal subcutaneous transposition of spleen cubes. In addition, the likelihood of spontaneous splenosis was examined in a preliminary study involving 5 animals by introducing unattached spleen meal and fragments. Scanning was repeated 4 to 12 weeks postoperatively. The functional competence of minor parenchymal islands was also investigated with well counter measurements of organ and muscle tissue homogenates. Spontaneous splenosis after abdominal injuries was not found to be the rule. Salvaging procedures at the natural vascular hilus by sutures, fibrin sealant and hemisplenectomy produced parenchymal masses which were sufficiently large for visualization by scanning. At a normal size of rabbit spleens which corresponds to that of an index finger, scanning successfully identified residual splenic tissue masses the size of a terminal phalanx. Tissue particles of less than pea size are below the geometrical resolution of the technique so that, inspite of multiple particles that may have taken, false negative results may be obtained. Well counter measurements of small spleen tissure remnants showed relatively poor functional competence. Occasionally, the implanted splenic tissue had undergone complete absorption. The study suggests that negative spleen scans are not diagnostic of complete asplenia. Other biochemical parameters should, therefore, be considered. (Author)