The spleen produces antibody-producing plasma cells; controls infection through phagocytosis of bacteria and worn-out and damaged blood cells; and stores and releases blood. An injury to the spleen may disrupt these functions.

The spleen is frequently damaged in cases of physical trauma to the abdomen, particularly in automobile accidents or body contact sports, and severe blows over the lower left chest or upper abdomen that fracture the protecting ribs.

When the spleen is injured, there may be the following:

• acute upper left quadrant pain

• abdominal fullness

• severe bleeding

• shock.

Prompt repair or removal of the spleen (see Diagnostic Code: 7706 Splenectomy) is often required to prevent the person from bleeding to death.

Tests that may be conducted in injury of the spleen include the following:

• x-rays of the abdomen

• peritoneal tap

• computed tomography (CT) scan

• complete blood count (CBC)

• red blood cell (RBC) and platelet count studies

• coagulation and agglutination tests

• bone marrow aspiration

• needle biopsy

Treatment of a person with an injured spleen may include non-operative measures. These may include: use of hemostatic agents; and splenorrhaphy which includes gluing and wrapping of the injured capsule of the spleen.

Depending on the extent of the injury and the extent of the healing process, the spleen may resume its normal function, or the functions of the spleen may be assumed by other structures, particularly the bone marrow and liver. The residuals will depend on the extent of the injury and the healing process. The person is encouraged to avoid infections or injury to the abdominal wall that may cause bleeding. The person will be monitored periodically for signs of bleeding.

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