Splenic bed lavage: a new technique to avoid postsplenectomy subphrenic abscess in patients with portal hypertension

Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of splenic bed lavage (SBL) (new technique) in prophylaxis against postsplenectomy subphrenic abscess. Study type This was a randomized control trial. Patients and methods A total of 44 patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension underwent splenectomy. They were randomized into two groups: group I included 25 patients who underwent SBL postoperatively and group II included 19 patients who underwent only tube drainage of the splenic bed. All patients were followed up by ultrasonography to check for occurrence of subphrenic collection. Results None of the group I patients developed subphrenic abscess (0% risk), whereas three patients in group II developed subphrenic abscesses, which needed either ultrasonography-guided drainage or open surgical drainage. Conclusion SBL is an effective technique to prevent subphrenic abscess after splenectomy in patients with portal hypertension.