Conditions and Treatments of a Ruptured Spleen

The spleen, located in the upper left abdomen, plays an important role in filtering waste and producing blood cells. Your spleen can rupture due to the force of trauma and, if you do not receive treatment, it can be fatal. Treatment will depend on the severity of your injury.

Causes

• A blow to the upper left abdomen or lower part of the left chest is the most common cause of a ruptured spleen. Common sources of trauma include sports injuries, fist fights and car accidents. It can rupture immediately or days or weeks after the injury.

  Infections like mononucleosis, liver disease and blood cancers sometimes cause an enlarged spleen, which might make a rupture more likely.

Symptoms

• Pain in the abdomen and tenderness are characteristic of a ruptured spleen. Your blood pressure may drop due to internal bleeding and you might experience lightheadedness and confusion. Blurry vision and fainting can also occur.

  A ruptured spleen requires immediate treatment. Seek care right away if you experience the above symptoms.

Complications

• As the spleen produces red blood cells and certain white ones, a ruptured spleen can cause large amounts of blood to fill your abdominal cavity. This can be fatal.

Treatment

• Many injuries will not require surgery. You will stay in the hospital for up to a week while doctors monitor your condition and administer non-surgical care like blood transfusions. Severe injuries will need surgery to either repair or remove the spleen. Spleen removal is called a splenectomy. The surgeon will make a small incision and place a slender tube attached to a camera and light to perform the procedure. In some cases, you will need a completely open procedure.

Living Without a Spleen

• In the event you need to have your spleen removed, you can still live a normal, active life but you are more at risk of contracting serious infections. Your doctor will probably suggest a pneumonia vaccine as well as yearly flu shots. He might also give you antibiotics as a preventive measure, especially if you have any other conditions that can lead to infections.