PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) after splenectomy and its consequences on patient treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 183 consecutive patients who underwent splenectomy were evaluated. Of these patients, 119 underwent postoperative ultrasound (US) or computed tomography. RESULTS: SVT was diagnosed in 13 of 119 patients in the first 2 weeks after surgery. In these 13 patients, splenectomy had been performed for hematologic disorders (n = 12) or trauma (n = 1). Seven of the 13 patients were asymptomatic. After anticoagulant therapy, follow-up US of 12 patients showed resolution of thrombosis with no complications in 10 patients; two patients developed cavernous transformation of the portal vein. CONCLUSION: Since only 65% of patients underwent imaging, the true frequency of SVT could not be determined; however, it occurred in at least 7% of patients who underwent splenectomy. Routine Doppler US should be performed after splenectomy to allow early anticoagulant therapy in patients with SVT.
PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) after splenectomy and its consequences on patient treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 183 consecutive patients who underwent splenectomy were evaluated. Of these patients, 119 underwent postoperative ultrasound (US) or computed tomography. RESULTS: SVT was diagnosed in 13 of 119 patients in the first 2 weeks after surgery. In these 13 patients, splenectomy had been performed for hematologic disorders (n = 12) or trauma (n = 1). Seven of the 13 patients were asymptomatic. After anticoagulant therapy, follow-up US of 12 patients showed resolution of thrombosis with no complications in 10 patients; two patients developed cavernous transformation of the portal vein. CONCLUSION: Since only 65% of patients underwent imaging, the true frequency of SVT could not be determined; however, it occurred in at least 7% of patients who underwent splenectomy. Routine Doppler US should be performed after splenectomy to allow early anticoagulant therapy in patients with SVT.
Authors: B Habermalz; S Sauerland; G Decker; B Delaitre; J-F Gigot; E Leandros; K Lechner; M Rhodes; G Silecchia; A Szold; E Targarona; P Torelli; E Neugebauer Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2008-02-22 Impact factor: 4.584