Problems in spleen autotransplantation: comparative study of types of implantation in animal experiments.

Iatrogenic localized splenosis presents a seemingly simple surgical possibility for preserving partial function of the spleen. Until now, pathophysiological aspects, such as the drainage direction of venous blood from the spleen, possible splenic diseases in ectopic tissue, and the formation of pseudoabscesses as well as conditions for implantation have been given insufficient attention. In 45 Wistar rats, divided into three groups according to the surgical procedure (implantation in the greater omentum, liver, retroperitoneum), the taking of the grafts were examined macroscopically and histologically. Because of the results, and bearing in mind the mentioned criteria, a new method for spleen autotransplantation is suggested: the implantation into a pediculated flap of omentum and retroperitoneal displacement behind the splenic bed.