Partial splenic embolization in treatment of hypersplenism followed by liver cirrhosis

Objective: To study the clinical significance of partial splenic embolization(PSE) in treatmeot of hypersplenism with liver cirrhosis.Methods: Twenty patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism were treated with gelfoam(1 mm×1 mm×1 mm).The embolization degree ranged from 50% to 70%.Results: White blood cell(WBC) count increased immediately on the first day after PSE.WBC and Platelet(PLT) counts reached peak level on the third day and in the second week respectively after PSE,and then decreased gradually.WBC and PLT counts were normal or close to normal after one month.Neither severe side effects nor complications occurred.Conclusions: The embolization of the degree ranging from 50% to 70% may alleviate hypersplenism in patients with liver cirrhosis.