The main symptom of rupture of the spleen is pain on the left side of the abdomen, which is usually accompanied by increased sensitivity in the region and which can radiate to the shoulder. In addition, it is possible that a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, mental confusion and fainting may occur when there is severe bleeding.
It is important that the person goes immediately to the hospital so that tests can be done that can identify the lesion of the spleen, requiring imaging tests, such as computed tomography and abdominal ultrasound. In addition, when the doctor suspects bleeding, surgery may be recommended to stop the bleeding and to complete the diagnosis.
The spleen rupture happens mainly due to trauma in the abdomen, being more common to happen in contact sports practitioners or due to car accidents, for example.
Treatment for spleen rupture
After confirming the rupture of the spleen, the doctor can establish the best therapeutic option so as not to endanger the person's life. Most of the time, urgent surgery is recommended to completely remove the spleen and prevent further bleeding, hypovolemic shock and death. In addition, blood transfusions are recommended, as the person may have lost a lot of blood.
In less severe cases, in which the lesion is not so large and does not compromise the person's life, the doctor may indicate blood transfusion and the removal of only the injured part of the spleen. This is because the total removal of the spleen can make the person more susceptible to infections, as this organ is responsible for the production of immune cells responsible for the defense of the body against infections.
See more about spleen removal surgery.
Causes of spleen rupture
The rupture of the spleen happens mainly due to trauma in the abdominal region, and is usually a consequence of:
- Direct trauma to the left abdominal region; Automobile accidents; Sports accidents; As a result of bariatric surgery in obese patients.
It is also important to inform that there is a greater chance of spleen rupture in case of splenomegaly, that is, when the spleen is enlarged.
