“Splenic injury is a major intraoperative complication of abdominal surgery and places patients at a higher risk of morbidity and mortality, of longer operating time, and of longer hospital stay. Splenic injuries may be managed nonoperatively or by splenorrhaphy, partial splenectomy, or complete splenectomy. Because splenectomy is reported to have higher mortality rates than splenorrhaphy, great effort is taken to preserve the spleen; however, excessive blood loss can mandate splenectomy.”

“This study, like other studies, has shown that the rate of splenic injury during a colorectal resection is relatively low (<1%). We identified multiple risk factors for splenic injury during colorectal surgery. For example, we found that the rate of splenic injury is lower in laparoscopic as opposed to open operations. Our better understanding of these high-risk groups can help in (1) facilitating a more comprehensive preoperative discussion with patients concerning their risks, (2) preparing for possible splenic injury in high-risk patients, and (3) considering prophylactic vaccination in high-risk circumstances such as open transverse colectomy for a malignant tumor.”

Masoomi, Hossein et al. “Predictive factors of splenic injury in colorectal surgery: data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2006-2008.” Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) vol. 147,4 (2012): 324-9. Free Full Text