After hearing the term trauma, most people picture physical harm from an accident or a fall. But our internal body parts suffer damage during traumatic incidents as well. The spleen is an essential part of the immune system and the blood filtering process in human bodies. Damage to the spleen creates an urgent need for prompt diagnosis and treatment to save lives.
In this article we will share all essential details about splenic trauma including its causes, symptoms, and standards used to rate splenic trauma. By the end you will know all about splenic trauma injuries, their serious nature, and available medical choices.
What is Splenic Trauma?
The spleen is a small, fist-shaped organ located in the upper left part of your abdomen, just beneath your ribcage. It filters the blood, removes old red blood cells, and helps fight infections by producing white blood cells.
Splenic trauma refers to any injury to the spleen, usually caused by blunt force, like a car accident, fall, or sports injury. It can also occur due to penetrating trauma, such as stab wounds. Since the spleen is highly vascular (full of blood vessels), an injury to it can lead to internal bleeding, which may become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Causes of Splenic Trauma
Splenic trauma usually occurs due to physical impact or force. Common causes include:
- Road Accidents: High-impact collisions can cause severe blunt abdominal trauma, leading to spleen injuries.
- Falls: Falling from a height, especially in older adults, can damage the spleen.
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football or martial arts can result in abdominal trauma.
- Violence: Stab wounds or gunshot injuries can penetrate the abdominal wall and damage the spleen.
Symptoms of Splenic Trauma
Splenic trauma symptoms depend on the severity of the injury. Some patients may feel mild discomfort, while others experience severe pain and symptoms of internal bleeding. Common signs include:
- Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Pain near the ribcage, which may spread to the left shoulder (called Kehr’s sign).
- Abdominal Swelling: Swelling due to internal bleeding.
- Lightheadedness or Fainting: A drop in blood pressure caused by significant blood loss.
- Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia): The body tries to compensate for the blood loss by increasing the heart rate.
- Pale or Cold Skin: Reduced blood flow may cause the skin to become pale and clammy.
If you notice any of these symptoms after an accident, it’s essential to seek immediate care at a trauma treatment centre in Delhi or your local area.
Splenic Trauma Diagnose tests
At a trauma care centre, doctors use several methods to diagnose splenic trauma and assess its severity. These include:
- Physical Examination: Checking for abdominal tenderness, swelling, or signs of internal bleeding.
- Ultrasound (FAST Scan): A quick imaging test that detects fluid in the abdomen, which may indicate internal bleeding.
- CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the spleen and surrounding organs, helping doctors assess the extent of the injury.
- Blood Tests: To check for anemia (low red blood cell count), which may suggest internal bleeding.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, doctors use the splenic trauma grading system to determine the best treatment approach.
What are the Grades of Splenic Trauma?
Splenic trauma grading is essential in determining the severity of the injury. The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) has classified splenic trauma into five grades, ranging from mild (Grade I) to severe (Grade V). Let’s explore each grade:
Grade I – Minor Injury
- Small hematoma (blood clot) or minor tear on the spleen’s surface.
- Minimal pain or discomfort.
- Usually managed with rest and observation.
Grade II – Moderate Injury
- Moderate hematoma or laceration extending deeper into the spleen.
- Abdominal pain and mild swelling.
- Non-operative management, including bed rest, close monitoring, and periodic imaging.
Grade III – Severe Injury
- Large hematoma or deep laceration causing blood leakage.
- More intense abdominal pain, potential signs of internal bleeding.
- May require blood transfusions and continued observation in a trauma centre.
Grade IV – Critical Injury
- Severe damage with active bleeding, affecting the spleen’s blood vessels.
- Severe pain, low blood pressure, dizziness, and signs of shock.
Surgery is often necessary, including spleen repair or partial splenectomy (removal of part of the spleen).
Grade V – Life-Threatening Injury
- Complete rupture of the spleen or severe injury to blood vessels, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.
- Life-threatening shock, unconsciousness, or cardiac arrest.
- Emergency surgery (splenectomy) to remove the spleen and stop the bleeding.
Splenic Trauma Treatment in Delhi: options
Splenic trauma treatment options include:
1. Non-Operative Management (NOM)
This is the preferred approach for low-grade splenic trauma (Grades I and II). It involves:
- Bed rest
- Pain management
- Regular imaging tests to monitor healing
- Hospital observation for signs of worsening
2. Trauma Surgery Treatment
For high-grade injuries (Grades IV and V), surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include:
- Splenorrhaphy (Spleen Repair): Stitches or mesh are used to stop bleeding and repair the spleen.
- Partial Splenectomy: Removing the damaged part of the spleen while preserving its function.
- Total Splenectomy: Removing the entire spleen when the damage is too severe.
After a splenectomy, patients may need vaccines and antibiotics to prevent infections, as the spleen plays a key role in fighting bacteria.
Recovering from Splenic Trauma
Recovery from splenic trauma depends on the injury grade and treatment received. Patients treated with non-operative methods recover in a few weeks, while those undergoing surgery may need several months.
During recovery, doctors advise:
- Avoiding strenuous activities or heavy lifting
- Attending follow-up appointments for imaging and check-ups
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Getting vaccinated (if the spleen is removed) to prevent infections
Why Choose a Trauma Care Centre in Delhi?
When it comes to trauma treatment in Delhi, Primus Hospital have advanced facilities, experienced trauma surgeons, and 24/7 emergency services, ensuring that patients with splenic trauma receive immediate, life-saving care.
Primus Super Specialty Hospital in Delhi is equipped with:
- State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Tools: Including CT scans and ultrasound machines for quick diagnosis.
- Advanced Surgical Capabilities: Trauma surgeons skilled in performing spleen repair and splenectomy.
- Multidisciplinary Teams: Including emergency physicians, anesthesiologists, and critical care specialists.
Splenic trauma is a serious condition that requires immediate diagnosis and appropriate management. From minor lacerations to life-threatening ruptures, understanding the grades of splenic trauma helps doctors decide the best course of action.
If you’re seeking reliable trauma treatment in Delhi, Primus Hospital stands out as a leading trauma care centre. With advanced facilities, expert trauma surgeons, and a patient-first approach, Primus Hospital provides comprehensive care for splenic trauma and other critical injuries.
Your health is our priority. Trust Primus Hospital for expert trauma care when it matters most.
