Clinical review of splenic trauma in central India: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Background: Spleen is one of the most commonly injured intra-abdominal solid organs. If undiagnosed in earlier stage patient may even present with shock. Even though management depend on grade on splenic injury, primary goal remains stabilizing the patient. The operative interventions are done by open or laparoscopic technique which may be splenorrhaphy or splenectomy.Methods: A prospective observational study on 52 patients with splenic injury was performed. The study period was 27 months. Patients with clinical and radiological signs of splenic trauma were categorised and operative/ non-operative treatment was given as per protocol. The surgical and nonsurgical outcomes were evaluated during inpatient stay and follow-up was kept.Results: Fifty-Two patients were analysed comprising 36 male and 16 females. Most common mode of injury was road traffic accident followed by falls. Grade III injury was commonest, while rib fracture was commonest associated injury. Pneumonia was a frequent complication postoperatively.Conclusions: Splenic injury is a real threat after blunt abdominal trauma in young population. Vaccination and equalae of OPSI (Overwhelming post splenectomy infection) must be kept always in mind after splenectomy. Splenic trauma diagnosed early and treated immediately can save the patient’s life.