What happens if spleen ruptures

When surgery is necessary, usually the entire spleen is removed splenectomy , but sometimes surgeons are able to repair a small tear. The spleen is a relatively fragile organ located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, behind the stomach. A severe impact to the left side of the abdomen, such as from a sports or automobile injury, can result in damage to the spleen. Diseases such as leukemia or hemolytic anemia can also require splenectomy. Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen due to injury or illness.

During surgery, the damaged spleen is removed and its attachment to other organs is severed. Although the liver takes over the functions of the spleen after splenectomy, the blood is not filtered as thoroughly as before.

Patients are prone to more bacterial infections following splenectomy. There are several potential complications associated with this procedure that should be discussed with a doctor prior to surgery.

The splenic artery brings blood to the spleen from Merck and Co. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Manual was first published in as a service to the community.

Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Normal physical exams following abdominal trauma does not rule out a splenic rupture.

The condition is usually caused by a sudden and direct blow to the abdomen, but spontaneous rupture is also possible if the spleen is enlarged or has been enlarged in the past, due to mononucleosis, infection, or chronic excessive consumption of alcohol. It is important that individuals who have been recently diagnosed with IM meet with their doctor for clearance to return to sports. Premature return to sports with an enlarged spleen puts an individual at an increased risk for splenic rupture.

Not all signs and symptoms occur immediately after a splenic injury. If this condition is suspected, continue to monitor the athlete for hours after the incident to see if signs or symptoms do occur. If you have an enlarged spleen, a less forceful trauma might cause rupture. Without emergency treatment, the internal bleeding caused by a ruptured spleen can be life-threatening. Some people with ruptured spleens need emergency surgery. Others can be treated with several days of hospital care.

A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency. Seek emergency care after an injury if your signs and symptoms indicate that you may have a ruptured spleen. If you've been diagnosed with an enlarged spleen, ask your doctor whether you need to avoid activities for several weeks that could cause it to rupture.

These might include contact sports, heavy lifting and other activities that increase the risk of abdominal trauma. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The doctor draws fluid from the abdominal cavity. Nowadays, this is rarely performed. A ruptured spleen is often identified by a CT scan. In some cases, such as where a patient has kidney stones or is allergic to the contrast substance used in a CT scan, a stable individual with a suspected ruptured spleen may undergo an MRI scan.

This can also show problems with the soft tissues of the body. Splenic injury is classified by severity, taking into account the level of laceration, injury to the veins and arteries, and clotting.

The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grading system for spleen injury is as follows:. The grading of a ruptured spleen helps doctors determine whether surgical or non-operative management is indicated for treatment.

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In this article, we discuss the spleen. We will explain what the spleen does, the types of cells involved, and what happens when it goes wrong.

What are the different types of bleeding, and how can a person treat them? Read on to learn more. Everything you need to know about ruptured spleen. Medically reviewed by Andrew Gonzalez, M. Symptoms Treatment Recovery Complications Causes Diagnosis Stages The spleen is an organ located in the left-upper quarter of the abdomen, beneath the ribs.

Share on Pinterest Pain in the upper abdomen can be a sign of a ruptured spleen. Share on Pinterest A person should not return to full-intensity exercise until around 3 months after treatment.

Share on Pinterest A doctor will examine the abdomen by applying pressure to certain areas. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.