Comparative erythrocyte deformability investigations by filtrometry, slit-flow and rotational ektacytometry in a long-term follow-up animal study on splenectomy and different spleen preserving operative techniques: Partial or subtotal spleen resection and spleen autotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Partial or subtotal spleen resection or spleen autotransplantation can partly preserve/restore the splenic filtration function, as previous studies demonstrated. OBJECTIVE: For better evaluation and follow-up of the various spleen-preserving operative techniques' effectiveness versus splenectomy, a composite methodological approach was applied in a canine experimental model. METHODS: Beagle dogs were subjected to control (n = 6), splenectomy (SE, n = 4), partial and subtotal spleen resection (n = 4/each) or spleen autotransplantation groups (AU, Furka's spleen-chip method, n = 8). The follow-up period was 18 postoperative (p.o.) months. Erythrocyte deformability was determined in parallel by bulk filtrometry (Carat FT-1 filtrometer), slit-flow ektacytometry (RheoScan D-200) and rotational ektacytometry (LoRRca MaxSis Osmoscan). RESULTS: By filtrometry, relative cell transit time increased in the SE group (mostly in animal Nr. SE-3), showing the highest values on the 3rd, 9th and in 18th p.o. months. Elongation index values decreased in this group (both by slit-flow and rotational ektacytometers). In general, AU and two resection groups' values were lower versus control and higher than in SE. CONCLUSIONS: Forasmuch in the circulation both elongation by shear stress and filtration occur, these various erythrocyte deformability testing methods together may describe better the alterations. Considering the possible complications related to functional asplenic-hyposplenic conditions, individual analysis of cases is highly important.