Torsion of the wandering spleen: splenectomy or splenopexy

Abstract

Torsion of the wandering spleen is a rare condition usually unsuspected preoperatively. In previously reported cases in the past, attempts at splenopexy have failed and splenectomy has been regarded as the treatment of choice. We are presenting two children with splenic torsion. In one complete infarction of the spleen had occurred and so splenectomy could not be avoided. In the second, the spleen was viable and splenopexy was successfully performed. The clinical presentation, etiology, diagnostic procedures and management are discussed, and a surgical technique for splenopexy is described.