@article{ref1,
title="Long-term outcome of nonoperative pediatric splenic injury management",
journal="Journal of pediatric surgery",
year="2007",
author="Kristoffersen, Kristian W. and Mooney, D. P.",
volume="42",
number="6",
pages="1038-41; discussion 1041",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt splenic trauma is the standard of care in hemodynamically stable children. The long-term risk of this strategy remains unknown. The object of this study was to investigate the incidence of long-term complications after NOM of pediatric splenic injury. METHODS: All children who underwent NOM for blunt splenic trauma over an 11-year period were identified. Patients were interviewed for any ailments that could be related to their splenic injury, and hospital data were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 266 patients were identified, and 228 patients (86%) were interviewed. Mean follow-up time was 5 +/- 3 years. One patient had a delayed complication, a splenic pseudocyst. Pain more than 4 weeks after injury was unusual. Time until return to full activity varied broadly. CONCLUSION: The incidence of long-term complications after NOM of pediatric splenic injury was 1 (0.44%) in 228 patients. Nonoperative management of pediatric blunt splenic trauma in children is associated with a minimal risk of long-term complications.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-3468",
doi="10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2007.01.039",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2007.01.039"
}