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Purpose Frailty is known to increase vulnerability to stressful factors, and motivate a higher morbidity and mortality in several health conditions. However, long-term impact of frailty after surgical procedures remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between frailty and long-term clinical outcomes after emergency surgery. Methods Prospective cohort study in patients older than 70 years undergoing emergency procedures. A total of 82 patients (mean age 78.5 years, 53.3% women) were consecutively enrolled. Data on demographics, surgical procedures, complications after 30 postoperative days, and frailty according to the clinical frailty scale, Triage Risk Screening Tool (TRST), and FRAIL scale were recorded. Readmission, mortality, and transition to frailty rates were analyzed at 6 and 18 months postoperatively. Results The prevalence of frailty ranged between 14.6 and 29.6% depending on the scale used. The overall mortality rate at 18 months was 19.5% (16 patients), and the survival curves demonstrated a significant difference in mortality between frail and non-frail patients assessed using the FRAIL scale and TRST (p = 0.049 and p = 0.033, respectively), with a hazard ratio of 2.28 (95% confidence interval 1.24-6.44). Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes (p = 0.013) was an independent risk factor for transition to frailty, and antidepressant drug use was close to statistical significance (p = 0.08). Conclusion Frailty is a predictive marker of long-term mortality in patients undergoing emergency procedures. Diabetes and depression may represent independent risk factors for transition to frailty over time.

Enteroatmospheric fistulae are challenging clinical conditions that require surgical expertise and that can result in chronic debilitating conditions placing the patient in a vicious cycle characterized by non healing wounds and malnutrition. They are a complex entity that presents great variability depending on the number, shape, and size of the fistulous orifices, their debit, and the dimensions of the wound. This means that, at present, there is no device that adapts to the anatomical characteristics of each patient and manages to control the spillage of intestinal effluvium from the wound. The aim of this study is to describe the manufacturing technique and to assess the preliminary results of a custom device designed through bioscanner imaging and manufactured using 3D printing for use with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the management of enteroatmospheric fistula. A proof of concept is given, and the design of the device is presented for the first time. After obtaining images of each fistula with a bioscanner, a personalised device was designed for each patient by 3D printing shape of a prism and a hollow base, taking into account the dimensions of the fistulous area in order to perform a floating ostomy to isolate the wound from the debit enteric. The polycaprolactone (PCL) device was placed including inside the fistulous surface and surrounding it with the NPWT system in order to accelerate wound healing.

There is still controversy regarding the ideal technique to close the appendicular stump in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). The objective of this study was to determine the safety and efficiency of the use of an endoloop (EL) and endostapler (ES) in complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing LA from February 2013 to December 2019. Acute uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis were analysed separately, establishing two groups according to the stump closure technique: EL or ES. Seven hundred-nine patients were included (535 uncomplicated and 174 complicated). In uncomplicated appendicitis, an EL was used in 447 of the patients (83.55%) and an ES was used in 88 patients (16.45%). In complicated appendicitis, an EL was used in 85 patients (48.85%) and an ES was used in 89 patients (51.15%). An analysis of effectiveness and a cost analysis of each technique were performed. In uncomplicated appendicitis, we found no differences with respect to global complications, although there were significant differences in the total mean hospital stay (EL group 1.55 (SD 1.48) days; ES group 2.21 (SD 1.69) days; p = 0.046). This meant a savings of 514.12€ per patient using the EL p < 0.001). In complicated appendicitis, the reoperations classified as Clavien-Dindo IIIB in the EL group (6.4%) were greater than in the ES group (0%) (p = 0.012), although the rate of postoperative abscesses (p = 0.788) and the mean volume of abscesses (p = 0.891) were similar. The systematic use of an EL could reduce costs in uncomplicated appendicitis, while in complicated cases, both options are valid. Prospective studies with a greater number of patients are needed to observe differences in postoperative complications.

New coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) has determined the necessity of reorganization in many centers all over the world. Spain, as an epicenter of the disease, has been forced to assume health policy changes in all the territory. However, and from the beginning of the pandemic, every center attending surgical urgencies had to guarantee the continuous coverage adopting correct measures to maintain the excellence of quality of care. This document resumes general guidelines for emergency surgery and trauma care, obtained from the available bibliography and evaluated by a subgroup of professionals designated from the general group of investigators Cirugia-AEC-COVID-19 from the Spanish Association of Surgeons, directed to minimize professional exposure, to contemplate pandemic implications over different urgent perioperative scenarios and to adjust decision making to the occupational pressure caused by COVID-19 patients.

Specific training in the management of trauma patients is beneficial for surgeons. Training through specific courses in this area has a direct impact on the care of these patients. The aim of this work is to understand the participation and specific training in the care of trauma patients by Spanish surgeons. A national survey was conducted and administered to all members of the Spanish Association of Surgeons. The survey assessed their degree of participation in emergency surgery, and therefore the probability of attending trauma patients, their assessment of the initial care of trauma patients in their centre, and their specific training in this field. The survey was completed by 510 surgeons from 47 Spanish provinces, with Catalonia and Andalusia being the most represented regions. In total, 456 (89.41%) of those surveyed work in the emergency department on a routine basis. Only 171 (33.53%) refer to having a registry of trauma patients in their hospital. While 79.02% of surgeons reported that general surgeons are not involved in care of severe trauma from the outset, only 66.47% have completed the ATLS course, 40.78% the DSTC course and 18.82% the MUSEC course. Despite this, 85.69% believe that the ATLS course should be compulsory during residency and 43.33% believe that severe trauma care in their hospital is poor or very poor. Only 40% have received specific training in definitive surgical management of severe trauma. Despite this, a large percentage of surgeons work in the emergency department on a routine basis and potentially face the challenge of managing these patients.

Resumen El modelo Acute Care Surgery agrupa bajo una misma disciplina el trauma, la cirugia de urgencias y los cuidados intensivos posquirurgicos. Concebido y extendido durante las 2 ultimas decadas por territorio norteamericano, la magnitud e idiosincrasia clinica de la urgencia quirurgica han hecho que este modelo se haya asumido en muchos otros puntos de la geografia mundial. En nuestro pais, el reflejo ha sido la creacion e implantacion de las denominadas unidades de trauma y cirugia de urgencias, cuyos objetivos son comunes a las publicadas para el modelo original: evitar la nocturnidad en las urgencias quirurgicas, liberar a los profesionales vinculados a la cirugia electiva en horario laboral y convertirse en el eslabon y referente perfectos de la continuidad asistencial. En el presente articulo se resumen el nacimiento y la expansion del modelo original, la evidencia aportada en cuanto a resultados y la situacion actual en nuestro pais.

Introduction The objective of the present study is to assess the safety and feasibility of the use of telemedicine-based services for surgical wound care and to measure patient satisfaction with telemedicine-based follow-up. Material and methods 24 patients were included, they were provided with a corporate mail address. On day 7 after surgery patients sent, via email, an image of their surgical wound together with a completed questionnaire in order to obtain an early diagnosis. Two independent physicians studied this information and the histologic analysis of the specimen. On day 8, all patients underwent face-to-face office examination by a third physician and all of them completed a satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the study. Results The use of telemedicine-based services showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 91.6%, a positive predictive value of 75% and a negative predictive value of 100%. Degree of concordance between the two physicians, as regards the necessity of face-to-face follow-up yielded a kappa coefficient of 0.42 (standard error 0.25 and confidence interval 95% (0.92–0.08), which means a moderate agreement between the two evaluations. 94% of patients were satisfied with telemedicine-based follow-up and 93% showed their preference for this procedure over conventional methods. Conclusions The telemedicine-based follow-up, has proven to be feasible and safe for the evaluation of early postoperative complications. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the procedure. Telemedicine-based follow-up could become standard practice with the development of a specific mobile application., Highlights • A system to provide follow-up after surgery without the need of physical examination. • Using a cell phone and a mail address follow-up is achieved. • Feasibility and security of this system was assessed. • E-mail follow-up achieved high sensibility and specificity rates compared to face-to-face follow-up. • Patients were satisfied with telemedicine follow-up and preferred it to face-to-face regular examinations.

Quick implementation of specific protocols and protective measures in a tertiary hospital in Spain allowed for the early diagnosis and optimal management of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and proper protection of staff and inpatients. From the COVID-19 outbreak in this country until the time of writing, 14 patients in our hospital underwent surgery with COVID-19, or COVID-19 developed postoperatively. Their postoperative outcomes did not differ from those in our routine clinical practice, with a 0% respiratory failure rate and a 7.14% mortality rate, in contrast with other published series. COVID-19 did not develop in any of the healthcare workers present in the operating room during these procedures or in those who cared for these patients on the ward.

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome, leading to declines in homeostatic reserve and physical resistance. It has been considered as a risk factor for falls, fractures, need of institutionalization, length of stay and mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between frailty, 30-day postoperative mortality and morbidity, for elderly patients undergoing surgical emergencies. Prospective, observational cohort Study (September 2017–April 2019), using four different frailty scales (Clinical Frailty Scale, FRAIL scale, TRST and Share-FI) as a risk factor of 30-day postoperative outcomes, for patients older than 70 years undergoing emergency surgery. We analyzed diagnoses, clinical examination at admission, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes during the first 30 days or until discharge. 92 patients were included, with a mean age was 78.7 years (SD 6.3). Frailty prevalence varied since 14.1% obtained using FRAIL scale, to 25%, 29.2% and 30.4%, from Clinical Frailty Scale, TRST and Share-FI, respectively. All four frailty scales show statistical differences to predict major complication and mortality in our sample. FRAIL scale showed the highest sensitivity–specificity pair to predict mortality in our sample (AUC = 0.870). TRST and FRAIL scales showed the strongest measure of association (OR 7.69 and 5.92, respectively) for major complications. Regarding need for admission to the ICU, hospital stay or reoperation rate, only FRAIL scale showed a statistically significant association. Frailty represents a predictive marker of mortality and major complications, in surgical emergencies. FRAIL score, shows the strongest relationship with mortality and complications, compared to other frailty scales.

Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage (LPL) is feasible in selected patients with pelvic abscess and generalized purulent peritonitis caused by acute diverticulitis. We aimed to compare LPL and laparoscopic sigmoidectomy (LS) in complicated acute diverticulitis. This prospective, observational, multicenter study included patients with a pelvic abscess not amenable to conservative management and patients with Hinchey III acute diverticulitis, from 2015 to 2018. Sixty-six patients were enrolled: 28 (42%) underwent LPL and 38 (58%) underwent LS. In LS, patients had a primary anastomosis, with or without ileostomy, or an end colostomy (HA). Major outcomes were mortality, morbidity, failure of source control, reoperation, length of stay, and diverticulitis recurrence. Patient demographics were similar in the two groups. In LPL, ASA score > 2 and Mannheim Peritonitis Index were significantly higher (p = 0.05 and 0.004). In LS, 24 patients (63%) had a PA and 14 (37%) an HA. No death was recorded. Overall, morbidity was 33% in LPL and 18% in LS (p = 0.169). However, failure to achieve source control of the peritoneal infection and the need to return to the operating room were more frequent in LPL (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006). Mean postoperative length of stay was comparable (p = 0.08). Diverticular recurrence was significantly higher in LPL (p = 0.003). LPL is related to a higher reoperation rate, more frequent postoperative ongoing sepsis, and higher recurrence rates. Therefore, laparoscopic lavage for perforated diverticulitis carries a high risk of failure in daily practice.

The Acute Care Surgery model groups trauma and emergency surgery with surgical critical care. Conceived and extended during the last 2 decades throughout North America, the magnitude and clinical idiosyncrasy of emergency general surgery have determined that this model has been expanded to other parts of the world. In our country, this has led to the introduction and implementation of the so-called trauma and emergency surgery units, with common objectives as those previously published for the original model: to decrease the rates of emergency surgery at night, to allow surgeons linked to elective surgery to develop their activity in their own disciplines during the daily schedule, and to become the perfect link and reference for the continuity of care. This review summarizes how the original model was born and how it expanded throughout the world, providing evidence in terms of results and a description of the current situation in our country.

Chylous ascites is a rare condition little reported in literature, with even more exceptional traumatic origin. Its production mechanism is not known exactly but has been attributed to hyperflexion or hyperextension of the spine leading to a rupture of lymph ducts. We present a case of post-traumatic chyloperitoneum in a young patient after abdominal blunt trauma. Conservative treatment should be the first therapeutic option, especially if the origin is traumatic, reserving more aggressive possibilities for cases that do not respond after 15 days, if debt is greater than 1.5 litres/day in adult patients or in those with metabolic complications. A laparoscopic approach is indicated to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other associated injuries that may require other surgical procedures.

‘‘Open abdomen’’ is a routine surgical procedure in patients presenting with abdominal compartment syndrome, polytrauma requiring a second look and abdominal sepsis. In these cases, free access to the abdominal cavity may be necessary to drain fluid collections or to solve postoperative complications [1–3]. Several techniques for temporary abdominal closure have been described in the literature, but we observe a lack of experience as regards definitive closure techniques [4]. Here we present a kit which combines the use of a mesh, negative pressure therapy and elastic gums to attain definitive closure of the open abdomen in patients requiring a previous temporary closure and in whom it is impossible to accomplish primary closure of abdominal fascia, subcutaneous tissue and skin.

Aims. To report our experience with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for induction and maintenance therapy to prevent acute liver transplant rejection. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 66 elective, noncombined liver transplant patients treated beginning de novo MMF and follow for a minimum of 2 years. Thirty-nine of the 66 cases received MMF, calcineurin inhibitors, and steroids. In 11 cases daclizumab was added; in 16 daclizumab was added without steroids. Results. The global survival rate was 91% at 6 months, 89.4% at 1 year, and 87.9% after 2 years. Acute rejection episodes were observed in six patients (9.1%). All episodes responded to corticoids. Toxicity possibly, probably, or partially related to MMF was observed in 35 patients (53%) with definitive suspension required in 13 cases (20%), with dose reduction or temporary suspension in 22 (33%). Hematological toxicity associated with MMF was observed in 12 patients (18%), leading to definitive suspension in two patients (3.03%), temporary suspension in two cases (3.03%), and dose reduction in eight cases (12%). Opportunistic infection was observed in seven cases (10%). Gastrointestinal toxicity was mild and infrequent (five cases, 7.5%). Conclusion. Regimens containing MMF reduce rejection episodes with high survival rates and low toxicity.

The authors regret that the names of the last four authors were omitted from their published paper. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Background Splenic involvement secondary to blunt abdominal trauma is often treated by performing a splenectomy. The severity of the post-splenectomy syndrome is currently well known (blood loss, sepsis), so there is an increasing tendency to preserve the spleen. The case is presented of splenic preservation after blunt abdominal trauma with hilum involvement, emphasising the role of Floseal® as a haemostatic agent, as well as the use of resorbable meshes to preserve the spleen. Clinical case A 22-year-old woman presenting with a grade IV splenic lesion secondary to a blunt abdominal trauma after a traffic accident. Partial splenic resection was performed and bleeding was controlled with Floseal® and use of a reinforcing polyglycolic acid mesh. No postoperative complications occurred, being discharged on day 5. The long-term follow-up has been uneventful. Conclusion The use of haemostatic agents such as thrombin and the gelatine gel (FloSeal®) and the use of polyglycolic acid meshes enable spleen-preserving surgery, making it a feasible and reproducible procedure and an alternative to classical splenectomy.

Objective. Our aim was to safely and effectively reduce adverse gastrointestinal (GI) events resulting from the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in liver transplant patients by switching to enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS). Patients and Methods. We studied 19 patients on maintenance therapy presenting with GI intolerance to MMF whose therapy was switched to EC-MPS. The variables recorded were: calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) dose levels, MMF/EC-MPS dose levels, lipid profile, hematology, renal and hepatic function markers, and rejection episodes. These variables were recorded at the visit prior to the day of conversion, on the day of conversion, and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months thereafter. Results. Of the 19 patients, 16 were men (mean age, 56.6 ± 15.9 years) and 3 were women (58.3 ± 12.1 years). While 31.6% were on MMF monotherapy, 52.6% were on combined therapy with tacrolimus and 15.8% with cyclosporine. On the day of conversion, 21% were not on MMF, 36.8% were on 1000 mg/d, 26.3% were on 1500 mg/d, 5.3% were on 750 mg/d, and 10.6% were on 500 mg/d. The starting daily doses of EC-MPS were: 360 mg (26.3%), 720 mg (31.6%), 540 mg (26.3%), 1080 mg (10.5%), and 1440 mg (5.3%). GI complications were significantly reduced from the first month postconversion (P < .01), as 57.2% of patients did not display any symptoms; however, at 9 months, this incidence rose by 12% relative to month 1 (P < .05). There were no changes in the other variables and there were no reported rejection episodes. Treatment was suspended in 2 patients due to dyspnea and nervousness. Conclusion. In liver transplant patients with GI complications from chronic MMF use, the use of EC-MPS was safe and efficacious, as it significantly reduced their incidence.

Objective To investigate the incidence, time of appearance, treatment, and evolution of tumors appearing in liver transplant recipients at our hospital. Material and methods We undertook a retrospective analysis of our series of liver transplants between 1990 and 2005. Patients who died during the immediate postoperative period were excluded. Results Of the 515 patients, 25 died during the immediate postoperative period and therefore had no occasion to develop neoplasms. Of the remaining 490, 32 developed cancers (6.5%). The average age was 55.4 ± 7.17 years. The reasons for transplant were alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 15), hepatitis C virus (2), hepatitis B virus (n = 1), alcoholic and viral cirrhosis (n = 7), primary biliary cirrhosis (n = 1), and cryptogenic cirrhosis (n = 1). Four patients developed multiple neoplasms. Most of the tumors were cutaneous: nine basal cell and six squamous cell carcinomas. Other locations were the lung, urothelium, stomach, thyroid, and brain. Eight patients presented metastasis at the time of diagnosis. The average tumor-free period was 3.36 years. Nine patients died as a result of the tumor. Discussion Patients with a liver transplant have a high risk of developing cancers as a result of the immunosuppression treatment, which is lifelong. Nevertheless, other factors can be involved, such as infection by cytomegalovirus or the original diagnosis leading to transplantation. The risk for developing cancers is significantly greater than in the general population, with a higher tendency to recurrence and later development of second neoplasms.

Objectives To study the prevalence and clinical significance of polymorphisms in the CYP3A5 and MDR1 genes in liver transplant patients and their donors; to determine the relative importance of genes from the donor and the recipient; to assess the relationship of polymorphisms with the variability of concentration/dose of tacrolimus for optimization and individualization regimens. Materials and methods This prospective study included 53 liver transplant recipients who received tacrolimus de novo. CYP3A5 and MDR1 gene polymorphisms were identified in the donors and recipients using polymerase chain reaction. We collected indicator variables of graft function and the patient for 3 months after the transplantation: days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90. Results The frequencies of CYP3A5 polymorphisms were: 90.6% (G/G), 9.4% (G/A) and 0% (A/C) in donors and 88.7% (G/G), 11.3% (G/A), and 0% (A/A) in recipients. For the MDR1 gene, they were: 26.4% (C/C), 50.9% (C/T), and 22.6% (T/T) in donors and 17.0% (C/C), 71.7% (C/T), and 11.3% (T/T) in recipients. In the early days after transplant, G/A recipients from G/A donors did not reach the minimum drug levels. Between days 30 and 60, G/G recipients from G/A donors required higher tacrolimus doses. G/G recipients (CYP3A5) from C/T donors (MDR1) had a lower frequency of renal dysfunction, the same rejection rate, and a higher rate of diabetes than the other groups. Conclusions For CYP3A5, the presence of the A allele appeared to be related to greater requirements for tacrolimus in the early days after transplantation. Pharmacogenetics combined with pharmacodynamics may be a useful tool to adjust the concentration of tacrolimus depending on the absorption by the individual patient.

Hepaticojejunostomy is a good alternative technique for biliary reconstruction in liver transplantation. Among 517 liver transplants performed between March 1992 and July 2005, 33 involved hepaticojejunostomy, namely, 18 men and 12 women of average age: 44.8 years. The main cause for this technique was retransplant (n = 10), secondary biliary cirrhosis (n = 5), alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 5), HCV cirrhosis (n = 2), primary biliary cirrhosis (n = 1), cryptogenic cirrhosis (n = 1), sclerosing cholangitis (n = 3), fulminant liver failure (n = 1), autoimmune cirrhosis (n = 1), and insulinoma metastasis (n = 1). Choledochojejunostomy was performed for all Roux-en-Y loops, with an average cold ischemia time of 361.16 minutes (180-780). The biliary complications were biliary fistula in four cases (13.3%), including two who required surgery; stenosis of the anastomosis in two cases (6.6%) including one diagnosed by HIDA that resolved with medical treatment and the other, diagnosed by cholangio-MRI, requiring a new hepaticojejunostomy; and biliary peritonitis in three cases (10%), all of whom required surgery. The vascular complications were thrombosis of the hepatic artery (n = 1), which required retransplantation, and pseudoaneurysm of hepatic artery (n = 1). No biliary complications occurred. The 6-month patient survival was 80% and the 6-month graft survival was 77%; no patient died due to biliary complications. Hepaticojejunostomy is a technique with higher morbidity than choledocho-choledochostomy, but it is the best alternative when the latter is not possible.

Our objective was establish a scoring system that allows a donor to be evaluated quickly and easily using a set of variables that are evaluated prior to the donation and another set that are evaluated during surgery.Prior to the donation we analyzed age, medication requirements, natremia, hepatic biochemistry, gas levels, days in ICU, history of hypertension, and weight. A value of 40% was allocated to this group of factors. During the transplant we assessed the characteristics of the organ-shine, consistency, surface, edge, color, presence of steatosis, and atheromatosis. A value of 60% was allocated to this set. We established a scale of 1 to 10, only accepting organs scoring 5 or more points. Those grafts that received a score between 5 and 7.5 points were called suboptimal and those with over 7.5 points, optimal. We prospectively analyzed 133 donors whose organs were implanted.The survival rate at 1 year was 85%, and the rejection rate was 12%. The incidence of primary graft dysfunction was 8.2% (n = 11) and that of primary graft nonfunction 2.2% (n = 3). The incidence of primary graft dysfunction was greater within the group with fewer points (suboptimal). There were no differences between the optimal and suboptimal groups in terms of primary malfunction, survival, or rejection rate.The score provided a guide to decide whether to accept viable organs for implantation, given that the point system was obtained quickly and easily. When greater than 5, it correlated with low rates of primary nonfunction (3%) and of primary graft dysfunction (15%), with acceptable survival at 1 year (80%) and acute rejections rate (15%).

Hirschsprung's disease is characterized by absence of ganglion cells in submucosal and myenteric plexus of distal bowel. Most cases become manifest during the neonatal period, but in rare instances, this disease is initially diagnosed in adult age. It usually presents as severe constipation with colonic dilatation proximal to the aganglionic segment. The treatment is surgical, removing the aganglionic segment and restoring continuity of digestive tract. The disease rarely presents as an acute intestinal obstruction. We report a case not previously diagnosed, which presented as a massive colonic dilatation with a maximum diameter of 44 cm, with imminent risk of drilling that forced to perform an emergency surgery. We include a review of existing literature.

ResumenAntecedentesLa afectación esplénica secundaria a un traumatismo abdominal cerrado es frecuentemente tratada mediante esplenectomía. Ante la gravedad de las consecuencias del síndrome postesplenectomía (pérdidas hemáticas, sepsis, etc.) cada vez se tiende más a la preservación del órgano afectado. Presentamos un caso clínico de preservación de bazo tras traumatismo abdominal cerrado con implicación hiliar de dicho órgano, en el que se recurre al papel esencial del Floseal® como agente hemostático.Caso clínicoMujer de 22 años que presenta traumatismo abdominal cerrado tras accidente de tráfico, con diagnóstico de lesión esplénica del polo inferior con compromiso hiliar que implica la vascularización de dicha región. Se procede a la intervención quirúrgica urgente con preservación esplénica mediante esplenectomía parcial y control del sangrado con Floseal® y con el empleo de una malla de refuerzo de ácido poliglicólico. La evolución postoperatoria es satisfactoria y sale del hospital al 5.o día sin incidencias.ConclusiónEl empleo de agentes hemostáticos como el gel de gelatina y trombina (Floseal®) y el uso de mallas envolventes de ácido poliglicólico posibilitan la cirugía de preservación esplénica tras un traumatismo abdominal, representando una alternativa segura y factible a la esplenectomía completa clásica, con el beneficio de la conservación del órgano y de sus funciones.AbstractBackgroundSplenic involvement secondary to blunt abdominal trauma is often treated by performing a splenectomy. The severity of the post-splenectomy syndrome is currently well known (blood loss, sepsis), so there is an increasing tendency to preserve the spleen. The case is presented of splenic preservation after blunt abdominal trauma with hilum involvement, emphasising the role of Floseal® as a haemostatic agent, as well as the use of resorbable meshes to preserve the spleen.Clinical caseA 22-year-old woman presenting with a grade IV splenic lesion secondary to a blunt abdominal trauma after a traffic accident. Partial splenic resection was performed and bleeding was controlled with Floseal® and use of a reinforcing polyglycolic acid mesh. No postoperative complications occurred, being discharged on day 5. The long-term follow-up has been uneventful.ConclusionThe use of haemostatic agents such as thrombin and the gelatine gel (FloSeal®) and the use of polyglycolic acid meshes enable spleen-preserving surgery, making it a feasible and reproducible procedure and an alternative to classical splenectomy.