The spleen is the most commonly injured organ in blunt trauma of the abdomen. In the haemodynamically unstable patient bleeding from a splenic injury, rapid control of the splenic hilum can be a technically demanding operation. We describe a technique which allows for rapid control of the splenic hilum and unhurried ligation of splenic vessels. This technique has been used on 30 patients without any complications related to splenectomy. It is most helpful when one is working with an inexperienced assistant.