RESUMO
Eleven patients with traumatic rupture of the spleen were subjected to splenectomy and autotransplantation of part of the spleen. The technique of the operation is described: 5--20% of the spleen is incised into transversal slices of 2--3 mm of thickness which are placed along the periphery of omentum majus, they are enveloped in it and are studied. The number of the applied transplants is 3--6. By means of hematological tests the authors prove that the transplants have functions close to those of the spleen. The clinical and laboratory investigations have revealed that in 9 of the patients operated no symptoms of asplenia were present, whereas in another two patients signs of hyposplenism were detected. Immune studies have demonstrated that no autoimmune reactions have followed autotransplantation of part of the spleen. The indications for the operation are mentioned: traumatic rupture of the spleen, benign tumours and cysts of the spleen with splenic parenchyme being preserved. Contraindications for autotransplantation of part of the spleen are all cases with the syndrome of hypersplenism and systemic blood disorders--lymphogranulomatosis, leucemia, reticuloses and others.