[Effects of splenectomy on peritonitis produced by a colonic injury: study in rats].

Background: Study the effects of splenectomy on the intra-abdominal infection by bowel flora, consequent to a colonic injury in Wistar rats.

Methods: We used 64 animals, 20 for Group A1 (normal with colon lesion left open), 22 for Group A2 (normal with colon lesion sutured) and 22 for Group B (spleen removed). The animals were submitted to a laparatomy through a midline abdominal incision and peritonitis was induced by a colonic lesion in the colon previously distended with 2 ml of saline introduced in the rectum.