Plasma Gamma Globulin Levels After Splenectomy and Spleen Salvage

A series of plasma globulin studies was carried out on 108 patients who were operated on for splenic trauma during the last 3 years. The reasons for splenectomy or spleen salvage were; gunshot wounds in 22 patients (20.3%); stab injuries in 10 patients (9.2%) and blunt abdominal trauma in 76 patients (70.3%). Plasma gamma globulin determinations were made on the 8th postoperative day and at 3 months. In the splenectomy group; plasma gamma globulin determinations demonstrated a significant reduction in serum IgM levels (p less than 0.001) but no significant changes in IgA and IgG levels (p greater than 0.05). No changes were detected in IgA, IgG and IgM levels in the spleen salvage group (p greater than 0.05). We believe that the preservation of the traumatized spleen should be the prime aim of surgeons.