Description The spleen is locat...
Description
The spleen is located in the left upper abdomen under the ribs. This organ removes old red blood cells from the blood and holds red blood cells for emergency use by the body. The spleen is also important in fighting infection: it removes bacteria covered by antibodies against the bacteria that are made by the immune system. The spleen is the most commonly injured organ after blunt trauma such as a motor vehicle accident, falling, or after being hit in the abdomen. It can also be damaged from a gunshot wound or stabbing. The spleen filters about 10% of the blood supply every minute and injuries can cause a great deal of bleeding into the abdomen. Failure to get rapid treatment can result in death. People without a spleen are more susceptible to infections later in life. People with mononucleosis should avoid physical activity for several months since their spleen can temporarily enlarge with the infection: even minor trauma can cause a spleen injury.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, pain in the upper abdomen. pain in the left upper abdomen, abdominal pain that increases with a deep breath, light headedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, vomiting, fast heart rate, weak pulse, abdominal distension.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Blood tests and a CT scan will be done to determine the extent of the injury.
Tests:
Blood type, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase
Specialists:
General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Blood tests and a CT scan will be done to determine the extent of the injury.
Tests:
Blood type, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase
Specialists:
General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the spleen injury. Some injuries can be watched closely in the hospital to ensure no further bleeding occurs. Sometimes an interventional radiologist can block the artery feeding the spleen (embolization) preventing further bleeding. If the splenic bleeding will not stop or if the patient has already lost too much blood surgery is necessary to remove the spleen. Some patients may require a blood transfusion as well. All patients who have their spleen removed are more prone to certain bacterial infections, and generally should be immunized against the pneumococcus, hemophilus and meningococcus bacteria.