Partial splenic embolization in the treatment of hypersplenism

Objective To investingate the therapeutic effect of partial splenic embolization in patients with hypersplenism. Methods Thirty-six patients with hypersplenism underwent partial splenic embolization. The number of arterial with diameters 1 mm was counted. Embolization were limited within 60%-80% of the arterial branches. In the clinical follow-up of 1 to 36 (mean 20) months, changes of the portal pressure and peripheral blood picture were observed and compared with pro-operation. Results The average portal pressure decreased from 4.05 kPa to 2.51 kPa, and vRBC increased from 2.0×10 12/L to 4.2×10 12/L, WBC increased from 3.2×10 9/L to 5.0×10 9/L, PLT increased from 40×10 9/L to 150×10 9/L. In the 4 patients of oesophageal varix, no upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage recurred in 3 cases after embolization. Conclusion Partial splenic embolization improves therapeutic effect of hypersplenism.