Acute splenic torsion in children: which is the best treatment? A case report

• Main Authors: G. Cecchetto, P. Dall’Igna, C. Dalle Nogare, P. Gasparella, G.F. Zanon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: PAGEPress Publications 2012-06-01
• Series: La Pediatria Medica e Chirurgica
• Subjects: Wandering spleen; acute torsion of the spleen; children; surgery
• Online Access: http://www.pediatrmedchir.org/index.php/pmc/article/view/81

Wandering spleen is a clinical entity which rarely affects children and adolescents. this condition can be asymptomatic or responsible of chronic pain, but it appears as a surgical emergency when an acute twisting occurs. the risk of post-splenectomy sepsis in the pediatric population suggests a conservative approach whenever possible, and also in case of acute torsion, most authors prefer to preserve the spleen and perform a splenopexy. the Authors describe a case of a child with acute splenic torsion, in whom a conservative surgical approach was initially adopted. the conservative option has to be balanced with the risk of prolonged thrombocytopenia, multiple transfusions and a possible second procedure to remove the spleen.