Splenic infarction is tissue death in the spleen due to a lack of oxygen supply, often caused by a blockage in the splenic artery. Treatment involves pain relief, monitoring for complications, and surgery if necessary. Patients with bleeding disorders and infections are at higher risk. After treatment, lifestyle adjustments may be necessary.
A splenic infarction is the death of tissue in the spleen caused by disruptions in the oxygen supply to this organ. Management of this condition involves monitoring the patient for signs of complications and intervening if necessary with surgery and other treatments. Many patients are able to keep their spleen, depending on the extent of oxygen deprivation and other factors. Usually, the earlier the treatment, the better the patient outcome.
Splenic infarctions occur when a blockage develops along the splenic artery or one of its branches. This can be the result of a bleeding disorder or an underlying infection. The patient usually feels a sharp pain in the abdomen and may feel nauseous from the pain. A doctor may order medical imaging studies to determine what’s going on. Tissue death will be visible on the study, as will bleeding, blockages, and other problems.
Immediate treatment for a splenic infarction is usually pain relief to keep the patient comfortable. The case may be surgical if the spleen appears infected or abscessed, or if there is hemorrhage in the abdomen. The surgeon may be able to approach using minimally invasive techniques to limit scarring and reduce healing time. In surgery, your doctor will determine if your spleen can be preserved. If possible, the surgeon will remove any dead tissue and leave the spleen in place. Vascular repairs to address bleeding and other problems can be done at the same time.
People with bleeding disorders are more at risk for problems like splenic infarction, along with serious conditions like pulmonary embolism. These patients should pay attention to early symptoms of discomfort. Infections known to cause clotting problems and blockages are also a cause for concern. Doctors can monitor patients with cytomegalovirus, for example, extra carefully so that problems such as heart attacks can be identified as early as possible.
After a splenic infarction has been resolved, the patient should feel much more comfortable. If the spleen has been removed, some lifestyle adjustments may be necessary, and the patient will need to be careful about straining or stretching the abdomen until the surgical site has completely healed. Your surgeon can provide advice on when to resume normal activities and whether dietary changes will be needed. Usually, clear liquids are needed immediately after splenic infarction surgery, and the patient can gradually make the diet more complex, including more solids and a wider variety of foods.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
