How to manage splenic rupture during major liver resection?

Abstract

Spontaneous splenic rupture is a rare but life threatening complication of major liver resection with only five reported cases during major liver resection under hepatic vascular occlusion. We report two cases of splenic rupture during liver resection including the first case during portal triad clamping. In both patients, the hemorrhage was stopped by removing the vascular clamp. A splenectomy was performed in both patients and liver resection was completed under vascular clamping without complications. Although very rare, physicians should be aware of the possibility of splenic rupture during liver resection because instead of increasing vascular occlusion, clamp removal usually stops the hemorrhage.