Colonic resections, particularly those that require mobilization of the splenic flexure, occasionally will lead to injury of the spleen. Under these circumstances, the abdominal surgeon has traditionally considered incidental splenectomy to be the only safe alternative. Currently, a better understanding of splenic physiology and its role in sepsis prevention has reversed this trend. These efforts to preserve splenic function have resulted in various options available to the surgeon, herein reviewed. The results obtained in 36 general surgical patients with splenic injuries suggest that the salvage of the spleen is a safe alternative. In situations where salvage is impossible, the surgeon can resort to omental autotransplantation of the removed spleen, a recently described technique of appealing simplicity. The results obtained with this procedure in 23 other patients are presented.

Incidental prophylactic inferior vena cava clipping (IVCC) has been used in 30 patients undergoing colonic operations. The results obtained compare quite favorably with other methods of preventing postoperative pulmonary embolism (PE). This procedure would be justified in patients with a postoperative PE risk greater than 5 to 10 per cent. Practical criteria to identify this group of patients are presented, and the value of utilizing a risk profile is emphasized. There is no mortality from the procedure itself, and the morbidity was limited to lower-extremity edema in three patients who otherwise could have been expected to develop PE. The edema lasted two months in one patient and cleared rapidly in the other two. Attesting to the procedure's effectiveness, there were no cases of recurrent PE. Caval partition is an appealing mode of prophylaxis in high-risk patients because of its safety, efficacy, and permanence.

The aim of the present study is to determine the basal parameters in opossums ( Didelphis virginiana) during physical examination in Yucatan, Mexico. Sixty-six opossums were captured and manually handled for physical examinations. Sex, age, cardiac and respiratory rate, body temperature, pulse, mucous membranes, capillary refill time, hydration, size of superficial lymph nodes, mental status, and body condition were evaluated. Also, comparisons between rectal and auricular temperatures were performed. The means of physiological parameters obtained were: cardiac frequency 146 beats per minute (95% confidence interval [CI]: 138.91-155.24), respiratory frequency 27.33 breaths per minute (95% CI: 25.15-29.64), and body temperature 34.01°C (95% CI: 33.71-34.31). In 54% of animals, a sinus arrhythmia was present. A significant difference was found between rectal and auricular temperature measurements. A variation of -1.64 to 1.14°C was obtained via the auricular thermometer compared with the rectal device.