Splenorrhaphy refers to which intraoperative approach in splenic injury management?

• A. Splenorrhaphy is the surgical repair of the spleen to salvage it
• B. Emergent splenectomy
• C. Angiographic embolization
• D. Observation

Answer: (A)

Splenorrhaphy is the surgical repair of the spleen to salvage it. Intraoperative salvage is pursued when the splenic tissue is viable and bleeding can be controlled with direct repair, hemostatic techniques, or patches (for example, suturing lacerations, repairing the capsule, and using an omental patch) to preserve splenic function. This approach contrasts with removing the spleen (emergent splenectomy), which eliminates the organ; with angiographic embolization, which is a nonoperative radiologic method; and with observation, which involves monitoring without operative repair. Preserving the spleen helps maintain its immunologic roles, reducing the risk of postsplenectomy infections.