Delayed presentation of splenic laceration in a postpartum patient: a case of wandering spleen

Abstract

Abstract Wandering spleen (WS) is a rare condition where the spleen is abnormally mobile due to lax or poorly developed ligaments, leading to complications like torsion and laceration after trauma. We describe a case of a 31-year-old postpartum female who presented with severe abdominal pain following blunt trauma. Diagnostics showed an enlarged, ectopic spleen, and significant hematoma. Surgical exploration revealed a 10-cm splenic laceration, necessitating a splenectomy due to extensive blood loss and organ damage. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing WS, particularly in postpartum patients with increased ligamentous laxity, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and potentially preventive surgical measures to manage this complex condition effectively.