The spleen is an organ in the body that helps control the amount of blood in the body, destroys old or damaged blood cells, and contains white blood cells that fight infection. According to MayoClinic.com, a ruptured spleen occurs when the spleen experiences trauma such an in the case of a car accident or other injury. Symptoms of a ruptured spleen may include left sided abdominal pain and tenderness. A ruptured spleen requires emergency medical care as life-threatening bleeding may occur with any splenic injury.
Let It Heal
Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports that most small- to moderate-size spleen injuries can heal without surgery. Patients with spleen injuries that do not require surgery most often stay in the hospital for up to a week while doctors monitor their care and recovery. In some cases in which splenic injury has resulted in bleeding, blood transfusions may be necessary. Patients must have their blood levels checked regularly to monitor for signs of bleeding.
Surgical Repair
In cases of moderate splenic injury, doctors may be able to surgically repair the injury rather than removing the entire spleen. According to MayoClinic.com, surgical repair of the spleen is done through a small incision through the abdomen. Using a laparoscope. a slender tube with a camera and light on the end of it, inserted into the abdomen, doctors may be able to repair small tears in the spleen.
Splenectomy
If damage to the spleen is severe or bleeding due to a damaged spleen cannot be controlled, removal of the spleen is necessary. MayoClinic.com explains that removal of the spleen is known as a splenectomy. Depending upon the severity of damage to the spleen and the amount of bleeding resulting from it, a splenectomy may be performed using a laparoscope and small incisions in the abdomen. If bleeding is severe or in cases of emergency surgery, a splenectomy may require opening the abdomen through a large incision. Blood transfusions may be necessary during and after a splenectomy to replace lost blood volume.
