Extension of Nonoperative Management on Spleen Injury with Judicious Selection and Embolization; 10 Years of Experience

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We describe clinical outcomes of NOM on spleen injuries with judicious selection and embolization during the past 10 years. METHODS: From March 2000 to November 2009, 151 patients with splenic injury were included. Eighteen patients were excluded because of incomplete data. Patients' medical records were reviewed to examine admission demographics, laboratory results, radiologic findings as well as transfusion requirement, hospital stay, and ultimate outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty patients were chosen for non-operative management (NOM) after splenic embolization and 1/20 (5%) patient failed. There were 32 patients more than 55 years old (range, 55~87 years). Of these patients, 26 (81%) patients were chosen for NOM and 3 (11.5%) patients failed. According to OIS, 51 patients were grade 3; 26 patients, grade 4; and 6 patients, grade 5. Among grade 3, 49 (96%) were chosen for NOM with or without embolization and 1 (2%) patient failed; grade 4, 19 (73%) with NOM, 2 (7.6%) patients failed. Of all 133 patients with NOM or failed NOM (FNOM), there was 0 mortality in grade 3; 2, in grade 4; 2, in grade 5, excluding other causes of death. The mean ISS was significantly higher in the failed NOM group compared with successful NOM group (P=0.01). The group of failed NOM had a significantly higher mean OIS (P=0.00). CONCLUSION: Aggressive but highly selective NOM on the base of clinicoradiologic parameters with the aid of angioembolization would result in a low failure rate and complication in the management of high grades (grade 3 or 4).