Splenosis

Abstract

Most of the 70 reported cases of splenosis were found at incidental laparotomy months or years after severe splenic injury. Typically, there were multiple reddish implants from 1 to 3 cm in size, widely scattered throughout the peritoneal cavity. The implants lacked a hilum and their capsules lacked muscle and elastic fibers. In most reports there was no proof of function by the implants. Review of the literature failed to support labelling splenosis a disease. Possible beneficial effects of splenosis might include avoidance of the asplenic state with preservation of a normal blood smear and response to infection. Prospective study of cases of splenectomy for trauma is suggested to differentiate between those cases with and without residual splenic tissue.