Spleen artery embolization increases the success of nonoperative management following blunt splenic injury.

BACKGROUND: Spleen artery embolization (SAE) may increase the success rate of nonoperative management (NOM). The present study investigated the clinical outcome after the installation of SAE in the management of blunt splenic injury.

METHODS: A retrospective review of hospital records was performed to enroll patients with blunt injury of the spleen. Demographic data and information about the injury severity score, organ injury scale, hospitalization days, management and final outcomes were evaluated. Patients were separated into early and late groups according to the year that SAE was selectively used (2003-2004 and 2005-2008).

RESULTS: Six of eleven (55%) patients in the early group were successfully managed without surgery for blunt splenic injury, whereas all of the 38 patients (100%) in the late group were successfully managed without surgery. Eleven patients (11 of 38; 28.9%) received SAE in the late group. The rate of NOM increased from 55% in the early group to 100% in the late group (p < 0.001). Both early and late groups had similar injury severity score, length of hospitalization, blood transfusion, and complications, and there was no mortality.

CONCLUSION: Performance of SAE for the patients with blunt splenic injury could increase the successful rate of NOM significantly and safely. An algorithm including the angioembolization might be beneficial in the management of patients with blunt spleen trauma.