Spleen And Pancreatic Srugery Flashcards
What is the anatomy of the spleen?
Within leafy of greater omentum
Attached to stomach —> gastrosplenic ligament
Blood in —> celiac artery —> splenic artery
Blood out —> splenic v. —> gastrosplenic v. —> portal v.
Capsule
Fibromuscular trabeculae
Parachyma: white and red pulp
What are non-pathologic anatomic alterations of the spleen?
Siderotic plaques (Ca/iron deposits)
Ectopic splenic tissue
— splenosis - usually from seeding of cells after sx/trauma (usually in omentum)
— accessory spleen - incidental congenital issue
What are the functions of the spleen?
RBC storage and maturation
Senescent/sick RBC removal
Hematopoiesis
Immune fun
What pathology can lead to diffuse splenomegaly?
Drug induced - thiopental or acepromazine
Congestion (torsion)
Infiltrative diseases (LSA/MCT)
Immune-mediated disease (opsonizing bacteria)
What pathology causes a mass in the spleen
Neoplasia Hematoma Nodular hyperplasia/ EMH Trauma —> splenosis Abscess
Splenic torsion most commonly is associated with GDV, but can be an isolated event. What usually is the cause of this torsion when isolated?
Stretch or congenital absence of gastrosplenic ligament
Breeds predisposed to splenic torsion?
Great Dane
Greater Swiss mountain dog
German shepherd
English bulldog
What are acute clinical signs of splenic torsion?
Acute abdomen - similar to GDV or because of GDV —acute abdominal pain/shock —abdominal distention —cardiovascular collapse —dysrythmia —DIC
What are chronic signs of splenic torsion?
Vague/intermittent signs for up to 2weeks —vomiting/diarrhea —weakness/depression —anemia —hematuria/hemoglobinuria —PU/PD
How do you diagnose splenic torsion?
Radiographs
- mid abdominal mass
- abdominal effusion
- gas bubbles in spleen
- C shaped spleen
U/S
- mottled/diffuse hypoechonic areas
- intraluminial echogenic densities in veins
- now flow in splenic vessels (Doppler)
CT scan
What is the treatment for splenic torsion?
Pre op stabilization
- fluids
- transfusions
- antibiotics
Exploratory laparotomy
-splenectomy
Gastropexy
- at risk breed for GDV or to address GDV
T/F: you should derotate the spleen prior to splenectomy
False
What are the risk factors associated with death from splenic torsion?
Septic peritonitis at initial examination
Intraoperative hemorrhage
PO development of respiratory distress
T/F: neoplasia can cause splenic torsion
False
Not a cause
If you have splenic infarction, should immediately do splenectomy surgery?
No
Think of other problems associated with thrombosis or hyperocagulable states
- renal dz
- hyperadrenocorticisom
- neoplasia
- DIC
- heart disease
Prior splenic torsion —> devascularized area may turn into mass-effect (hematoma)
What are caudses of diffused splenic hyperplasia
Immune simulation (eg rickettsial infection)
Splenic hyperactivity (IMHA - removing abnormal cells)
What are causes of nodular splenic hyperplasia?
Sites of extramedullary hematopoiesis — can be single or multiple SIBCAPUSALAR nodules
T/F: FNA is a poor method for diagnosing splenic hyperplasia
False
How would you manage rupture of the spleen from blunt force trauma?
Conservative management is preferred — compression bandage and supportive care
Splenectomy — in ALL at risk breeds for splenic dz (labs/Golden’s/ GSD)
Top DDX for splenic neoplasia in dog?
Hemangiosarcoma
Sarcoma
Top DDX for spenic neoplasia in cats?
Mast cell tumor
What is the rule of 2/3rds for splenic neoplasia?
2/3 of dogs with splenic mass will have a malignancy
2/3 of those dogs with malignancies will be hemangiosarcoma (HSA)
What are risk factors for HSA?
Older
Large dog > 21kg
Breed - GSD, labs, Golden’s, poodles
Presence of hemoperitonum —> chance of malignancy > 80%
How does mass size correlate to malignant vs benign splenic neoplasia??
Dogs with benign -> higher mean mass to splenic volume
Smaller masses —> more likely to be malignant
What is the prognosis for HSA?? KNOW THIS
Poor
Surgery alone: 1-3months survival
Surgery + chem (doxorubicin): 5-6 months (only 10% survive to a year)
Surgery + chemo +immunotherapy:
—> stage I non ruptured spleen - 425days
—> stage II no benefit
Issue is that nearly ALL cases have microscopic mets at time of diagnosis
What are Dr Cavagnah’s recommendation for surgery on HSA?
Careful staging pre op
INFORM client of survival stats
Do not feel good about surgery if…
- obvious grossly visible mets present pre-op
- very sick dog (coagulothatic/ those needing high volume transfusion)
- owner is not informed