Traumatic Rupture of Splenic Tissue 13 Years after Splenectomy. A Case Report

Abstract

After splenectomy, two types of splenic tissue can remain in the human body: one type is the congenital accessory spleen, with its own vasculature and capsule. The other type is the acquired splenosis, caused by the spread of splenic tissue following splenic injury. The aim of this paper is to briefly review the literature dealing with spontaneous bleeding of splenic tissue, apart from the primary spleen, and to report a case showing the clinical and surgical importance of remaining splenic tissue after splenectomy.

Key Words:

• Accessory spleen
• splenunculus
• splenosis
• spontaneous splenic rupture
• splenectomy.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

L. Depypere

L. Depypere AZ Damiaan, algemene heelkunde Nieuwpoortsesteenweg 57 B-8400 Oostende E-mail: [email protected]