From 1978 to 1983, 11 children with splenic traumas were observed at the Pediatric Surgery of Parma. The diagnosis was confirmed by splenic scintigraphy with 99m Technetium. Those patients whose condition was stable with intravenous fluids or blood transfusions were not operated on. Emergency laparotomy was necessary only in 3 cases of 11 patients, when the general conditions were unstable.