Safety and efficacy of splenic artery coil embolization for hypersplenism in liver cirrhosis

BackgroundPartial splenic artery embolization is an effective treatment for hypersplenism but often lacks long-term benefits.PurposeTo evaluate the long-term effects of coil embolization of the splenic artery in patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism.Material and MethodsForty-nine patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism underwent coil embolization of the main splenic artery. The coils were deployed in the mid- or distal segment of the splenic artery to allow collateral blood flow to the spleen. The following data were collected from 2 weeks to 4 years after the embolization: technical success, length of hospital stay, white blood cell count, platelet count, splenic volume, and complication.ResultsThe technical success rate of splenic artery coil embolization was 100%. The post embolization syndrome rate was 75% (36/49) with no incidence of major complications. The mean length of hospital stay was 9 days. After embolization, the patient's white blood and platelet counts increased significa...