ABSTRACT
The congenital anomaly occurs in two forms, one being the 'continuous' form with an associated band of fibrous connective tissue, the other being the 'discontinuous' form without any connection to the native spleen. The continuous form is often associated with other congenital anomalies, while the discontinuous form is usually isolated and sometimes considered simply an ectopic or accessory spleen. Splenectomy, either total or partial, is indicated in symptomatic individuals. Studies of children with splenic trauma recommend non-operative management of splenic lacerations given the frequent self-resolution of splenic haemorrhage and the significant morbidity of splenectomy in the paediatric population. Non-operative management of isolated splenic injuries is also associated with a lower mortality rate than splenectomy. Furthermore, both rates of transfusions and length of stay have decreased as non-operative management of paediatric splenic trauma has become the norm. It is prudent to obtain a preoperative ultrasound and to perform a cholecystectomy at the time of splenectomy when gallstones are present.
