Selective splenic artery embolization or use of polyglycolic acid mesh in children with severe splenic trauma

Abstract

Children with splenic trauma are managed conservatively in most circumstances, and the need for surgical intervention is very rare. When surgical exploration in mandatory, splenic preservation is a worthwhile objective, using various suture methods, biomaterials, or resorbable prostheses. We present our experience over the past year with 5 severe splenic injuries. Three of these patients were treated operatively with a resorbable mesh, while the other two were managed percutaneously by selective embolization of the splenic artery under fluoroscopic control. We describe the embolization technique with its advantages, good outcome with low morbidity, and low economic and social cost.