TEMPORARY COMPLETE BLOOD SUPPLY AS IN DIFFICULT CONTROL OF THE MAIN A PRELIMINARY STEP SPLENECTOMIES

Abstract

Splenectomy may be a very simple or a very hazardous procedure. I have found that a difficult splenectomy may be much simplified by complete control of the main blood supply as the first step in the operation. With the stomach emptied by aspiration immediately before operation, the lesser curvature is easily retracted downward toward the left and the tortuous splenic artery is identified close to its origin (b). A piece of small soft rubber tubing is then passed around the artery at this point and an artery forceps is placed across the tubing so as to shut off completely the main blood supply during the operation (c). Immediately the huge spleen can be seen to diminish greatly and one may then proceed with splenectomy in the usual way without fear of hemorrhage. After the spleen has been removed and the vessels at the pedicle have been securely tied off, the