PROTECTION AGAINST PNEUMOCOCCAL BACTEREMIA BY PARTIAL SPLENECTOMY

Abstract

An animal model of partial splenectomy and its effect upon subsequent challenge with pneumococcus were evaluated. The contention that partial splenectomy protects the host against pneumococcal bacteremia was supported. Small splenic remnants attached to identifiable blood vessels afford protection against sepsis. Thus partial splenectomy may be used in massive splenic fractures if hemostasis can be achieved, even if less than 25% of the spleen remains in continuity with its vascular supply. The filtering effect of the spleen is paramount in protecting against sepsis.