Pros and cons of splenic artery embolization after mechanical splenic injury - comparison of methods.

Abstract

Introduction: Mechanical damage of the spleen is a serious therapeutic problem often leading to the death ofthe patient. The constant development of therapeutic methods makes it possible to reduce the percentage ofsevere conditions after damage to this organ. Great hopes are placed on minimal-invasive treatments andprocedures such as embolization.Aim of the study: Compare available research as well as publications and identify advantages anddisadvantages of splenic artery embolization in relation to other methods.Methods and materials: We reviewed the literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar using the words"splenic artery embolization," "blunt splenic trauma," "splenectomy," "splenectomy after trauma," "nonoperativetreatment of blunt splenic trauma".Results: Embolization of the splenic artery combines relatively low invasiveness with very high therapeuticoptions that were once reserved exclusively for surgical management. Embolization significantly reducesmortality in the worst prognosis patients and is recommended during non-operative management.Conclusion: Embolization procedure is found to be superior to other types of management on almost everylevel. In addition, this procedure is an ideal follow-up to non-operative management. However, embolization aswell as any other procedure carried out in the spleen should be considered individually and on many levelsbecause of the important functions performed by this organ.Key words: Blunt trauma to the spleen, embolization, mechanical injury of the spleen, splenic arteryembolization complications;