Splenic trauma, often caused by blunt force injuries, can be treated with the goal of preserving the spleen. Early intervention and careful evaluation are important, and surgery may be necessary in cases of internal bleeding. Recovery times vary and patients may need to take precautions if the spleen is removed.
Splenic trauma is a physical injury to the spleen, an organ located in the upper abdomen. People most commonly experience splenic trauma as a result of a blunt force injury such as a blow or deceleration injury in a car accident. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the trauma and how quickly it is identified. The standard of care was once splenectomy to remove the organ, but patients today are more likely to be excluded from surgery and monitored closely with a goal of keeping the spleen intact if possible.
The spleen is involved in blood circulation and some immune functions. While it is possible to live without a spleen, this can increase susceptibility to disease and other medical problems. For this reason, spleen preservation is the preferred outcome in a patient with splenic trauma. Early intervention and careful evaluation can help doctors keep this organ intact.
In addition to blunt trauma to the abdomen, other causes of splenic trauma can include stabbings and shootings. This injury can also be iatrogenic in nature, caused by something a doctor does, such as nicking the spleen during surgery. Spleen trauma is identified with medical imaging studies such as CT scans and a physical exam of the patient. Information is collected at this stage to make treatment decisions.
If a patient is alert and hemodynamically stable, the patient can be monitored in a trauma department and checked regularly for signs of internal bleeding and other complications. Supportive care is provided to keep the patient in good condition, and the patient will be treated for any injuries associated with the splenic trauma. If the need for surgery is identified, as is the case with internal bleeding, a surgeon may perform surgery to try to save the spleen or remove it as a final option.
Recovery times from splenic trauma vary. This type of injury is usually associated with other injuries and these can be serious in nature. If a patient needs surgery, this can also increase recovery time, as anesthesia is hard on the body, especially when people were in poor health during the surgery. In cases where the spleen can be saved, the patient can continue to live a normal life and experience no complications. If a splenectomy is required, the patient may need to take steps to avoid infection.
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