The effect of aerobic exercise on portal venous system in splenecotmized patients

Background: Splenectomy is a surgical intervention commonly performed at hospitals as a cause of splenic trauma. Aerobic exercise increases blood flow to contracting muscles, causes hypercoagulability and vasoconstriction in the splenic area, hence the portal vein diameter and blood flow velocity decrease. Aim: to study the effect of aerobic exercise on portal venous system in splenectomized patients. Material and Methods: Thirty adult male participated in this investigation were divided into two groups, control group received traditional treatment (encourage ROM, cough techniques and ambulation), study group received aerobic exercise (run for twenty minutes on treadmill at a velocity of 6km/h and ten –degree elevation for four weeks). We compared the white blood cells count, portal vein diameter, portal venous blood flow velocity and functional activities before and after exercise. Results: After exercise, the white blood cells count was significantly increased and portal vein diameter with portal venous blood flow were significantly reduced in study group(p<0.001), but no statistically differences in two groups before and after exercise in functional activities. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise in splenectomized individuals cause decrease splenic blood flow which increase blood viscosity and decease portal vein diameter.