An Overview on Splenic Trauma Management Approach

Abstract

Background: Of all organ injuries, the two most commonly encountered blunt abdominal injuries to organs are the spleen and liver. Splenic injury is historically managed by urgent laparotomy and subsequent removal of the spleen. This puts patients at lifelong postoperative risk of infections, and prophylactic vaccinations. Objectives: To review the literature on recent updates on splenic injury diagnosis and management. Methodology: PubMed database was used for article selection, papers on organ blunt trauma were obtained on the topic of splenic injury, and reviewed. Review: An updated outlook on splenic injuries shows that not all patients require an urgent splenectomy. In fact, many patients today could be managed conservatively under the supervision of the surgical team. Only patients who deteriorated and become hemodynamically unstable would fit the criteria for surgical intervention.Conclusion: In conclusion, splenic trauma used to be historically managed through emergency splenectomy. With the advancement of radiological technology, especially the CT scan, this blunt abdominal injury can now be staged and treated accordingly. Generally, hemodynamically stable patients can be managed conservatively, while those who are hemodynamically unstable are referred for operative management or interventional radiology.