injuries poisoning
Splenic Injury
Key Points
Splenic injury is common and can occur with minimal trauma if the spleen is enlarged. The main complications are immediate bleeding and delayed hematoma rupture. Confirm the diagnosis with CT in stable patients and with exploratory laparotomy in unstable patients. To avoid permanently increasing the patient's susceptibility to bacterial infections (caused by splenectomy), manage splenic injuries nonoperatively when possible. Do laparotomy or angiography with embolization in patients who have significant ongoing transfusion requirements and/or declining Hct. 