[Trans-catheter embolisation of the spleen with butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Experimental results and clinical application (author's transl)].

Partial and total trans-catheter embolisation of the spleen with butyl-2-cyanoacrylate-lipiodol in 23 dogs lead to partial necrosis and cicatrisation of the spleen after 3 to 5 weeks. The embolised vessels do not recanalise, but are by-passed by extra- and intra-splenic collaterals. In five animals there was a reduction in the number of erythrocytes; after embolisation there was increase in the number of leucocytes, whereas the thrombocytes were unchanged. The most common complication which occurred in five animals was a 1.5 to 2.5 cm. splenic abscess. The procedure was employed without success in one patient with bleeding oesophageal varices. The procedure was complicated by extensive necrosis of the gastric mucosa. Trans-catheter embolisation of the spleen has significant complications, despite strict asepsis and antibiotic cover. The main indication of the procedure is hypersplenism which cannot be treated surgically.