How I Do It

E14 WOUNDS www.woundsresearch.com Abstract: xxxxx Abstract: Traumatic spleen rupture is a common abdominal emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment to ensure the patient’s survival. The operative indications of spleenpreserving therapy and the choice of surgical methods directly affect prognosis. Preservation of splenic function is the principle clinical aim, and many spleen-preserving surgical methods have been developed including simple suture repair, suture repair, pedicled omentum tamping, partial spleen resection, splenic artery embolization by intervention, and spleen transplantation. The most effective surgical option for maximum preservation of function and best prognosis depends on the extent and the classification of the rupture. Substantial rupture often increases the surgical depth of field and leads to the difficulties of exposing the splenic hilum. Under these circumstances, common repair methods are prone to failure. The authors developed a new “rivet-type” repair technique using omental tissues. From June 2005 to September 2012, they used this technique to treat 18 cases of deep spleen rupture. This repair method is relatively simple, easily applied to different rupture sizes and locations, and creates a hemostatic effect, which is especially suitable for the splenic hilum fracture. The aim of this article is to describe the surgical protocol and evaluate the rivet-type repair method for spleen preservation after traumatic spleen rupture. Potential problems that may be encountered during this procedure are also highlighted.