Spleen rupture

The spleen is an organ located within the abdomen, on its left side, and in contact with the pancreas, diaphragm, and left kidney. It has an elongated shape, its measurements being approximately 14 cm in length, 10 cm in width and about 4 cm in thickness; its weight is about 200 grams.

It is part of the lymphatic system and its function is to keep a blood supply. Its main function in a person is to mature red blood cells, as well as destroy old or abnormal red blood cells. In the spleen there are also antibodies and helps destroy bacteria.

How does a spleen rupture occur?

The abdomen, inside which is the spleen, does not have a bone protection, as occurs in the thorax, which has the rib cage that protects its internal organs.

Before a abdominal trauma the spleen may rupture without an open wound on the skin of the abdomen; the most common cause of abdominal trauma are.

When the spleen ruptures, a bleeding from this organ, with the consequent internal bleeding. On some occasions, at the time of trauma, a complete rupture of the spleen may not occur, but a laceration or a small tear, which produces a small bleeding.

There are other causes of a ruptured spleen other than trauma; This can occur in diseases that cause significant inflammation of the spleen, so that the membrane that surrounds the spleen is ruptured, and consequently its hemorrhage appears. One of the diseases that can inflame the spleen is.

What symptoms occur in a ruptured spleen?

When the spleen ruptures, a hemorrhage takes place inside the abdomen, that is to say, inside a closed cavity, reason why the patient will have abdominal pain; the abdomen will be felt hardened and with pain in its left part. If the bleeding is significant, signs of severe blood loss may appear, such as dizziness, cold sweats, decreased level of consciousness; in the most severe cases, it can be fatal.

How is it diagnosed?

We should suspect a ruptured spleen in a person who has had a blow to the abdomen, who also has pain and a decrease in red blood cells appears in the blood test. The confirmation of the diagnosis will be determined in a CT scan.

How is it treated?

A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency and will be treated with a surgical intervention in which an attempt will be made to close the rupture, and if this is not possible, the entire spleen will be removed.

A person can live without a spleen, but may be more susceptible to certain infections, so they should take certain precautions such as getting vaccinated against the infection of certain bacteria and taking preventive antibiotics, before any operation.

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