OBJECTIVES: Splenectomy simplifies distal pancreatectomy in trauma but has the inconvenience of increasing vulnerability to infection. The objective of this study is to assess whether spleen preservation in the aforementioned surgical procedure is feasible and safe. METHODS: Spleen preservation was performed in 52 patients (48%) of 108 undergoing distal pancreatectomy. Forty-five (86.5%) were males and 7 (13,5%) were females. The mean age was 22.1 years, varying from 6 to 42 years. Penetrating trauma was the cause of injury in 35 cases (67%), 27 of which (77%) due to gunshot wounds and 8 (23%) due to stab wounds. Blunt trauma was the cause of injury in 17 cases (33%). RESULTS: There were no deaths. Pancreatic leaks occurred in 6 (11.5%) patients, fluid collection in the splenic fossa in 6 (11.5%), pancreatitis in 2 (3.8%), surgical wound abscesses in 4 (8%) and pneumonia in 4 (8%) patients. Forty patients had associated injuries. The average ISS was 19.3. The spleen was injured in 13 patients. Seven underwent splenorrhaphy and 6 required partial splenic resection. The spleen and splenic vessels were preserved in 51 patients. In one case, proximal and distal ligation of the splenic vessels (Warschaw technique) was performed. Hospital stay averaged 12 days. CONCLUSION: Distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation was shown to be a safe procedure in stable patients, even with associated injuries. The absence of deaths and the co-participation of surgeons in training confirms the safety of this procedure.
Splenic preservation; Distal pancreatectomy; Pancreatic trauma
