@article{ref1,
title="Splenectomy for trauma: morbidity, mortality and associated abdominal injuries",
journal="Australian and New Zealand journal of surgery",
year="1989",
author="Pitcher, M. E. and Cade, R. J. and Mackay, J. R.",
volume="59",
number="6",
pages="461-463",
abstract="Management of ruptured spleen still frequently requires splenectomy. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing splenectomy for trauma at Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, over a 14-year period was conducted; 141 of 145 cases were due to blunt trauma. The mortality rate was 10% and all deaths occurred as a result of road traffic accidents. The overall complication rate was 43%, varying from 25% in those with an isolated splenic injury to 100% with multiple system injuries. There was zero incidence of associated intra-abdominal injury in the group sustaining a ruptured spleen as a result of a fall, assault or sporting injury, in contrast to a nearly 50% incidence following road traffic and bicycle accidents. Whether these associated injuries would have been neglected had laparotomy for splenic trauma not been performed is uncertain, and so non-operative management of splenic trauma remains contentious, particularly in cases following vehicular accidents.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0004-8682",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}