[Fatal postsplenectomy sepsis (OPSI syndrome)].

The cases of postsplenectomy sepsis are described at the Clinical Hospital Centre Split. Overwhelming postsplenectomy infection is a unique clinical entity distinguishable from other infections. It may occur during the lifetime of any asplenic patient. The aggressive approach to splenic preservation is a way by reducing the risk of subsequent overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis. In the case of necessary splenectomy, should be given long-term prophylactic antibiotics preoperative and polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine to it would be given shortly after operation. Autologous splenic implantation is generally recommended when total splenectomy is necessary.