1082 THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. 



stages, as in abscess of the liver. Sarcoma and carcinoma are occasionally found in the spleen, 

 but very rarely as a primary disease. 



Extirpation of the spleen has been performed for wounds or injuries, in floating spleen, in 

 simple hypertrophy, and in leukaemic enlargement : but in these latter cases the operation is 

 now regarded as unjustifiable, as every case in which it has been performed has terminated 

 fatally. The incision is best made in the left semilunar line : the spleen is isolated from its sur- 

 roundings, and the pedicle transfixed and ligatured in two portions, before the tumor is turned 

 out of the abdominal cavity, if this is possible, so as to avoid any traction on the pedicle, which 

 may cause tearing of the splenic vein. In applying the ligature care must be taken not to 

 include the tail of the pancreas, and in lifting out the organ to avoid rupturing the capsule. 



