Treatment of hypersplenism by embolus placement in the splenic artery.

In a patient with liver cirrhosis and severe hypersplenism resistent to corticosteroids splenectomy was attempted but proved impossible. Embolisation of the splenic artery with tiny fragments of absorbable gelatin sponge induced gradual restitution of haematological function to normal after 6 wk. Abdominal pain, paralytic ileus of short duration, transient pyrexia, and pleural effusion ensued but were well tolerated. The patient has remained well, 2 1/2 mo later. It is suggested that this simple method may prove rewarding and could safely be used, if necessary, more than once in patients for whom other treatments are unsuitable or have failed.