Iatrogenic splenic injury.

Abstract

The incidence of iatrogenic splenic injury is underestimated because of poor documentation. Splenic injury during abdominal surgery can be reduced by achieving good exposure and adequate visualisation, avoiding undue traction and by early careful division of splenic ligaments and adhesions. When the spleen is injured splenic preservation is desirable and often feasible, but this should not be at the expense of excessive blood loss