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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA ruptured spleen is a serious condition that can occur when your spleen experiences a trauma. Without emergency treatment, a ruptured spleen can cause life-threatening bleeding.
Your spleen is located just under your rib cage on your left side, a prime spot for injury. With enough force, a blow to your abdomen — during a sporting mishap, a fist fight or a car accident, for example — might lead to a ruptured spleen.
In the past, ruptured spleens usually were removed in emergency surgery. These days, however, it's common for people with ruptured spleens to be treated instead with several days of hospital care to help the spleen heal.
Symptoms
References
- Laparoscopic spleen removal (splenectomy). The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgeons. http://www.sages.org/sagespublication.php?doc=PI12. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Spleen injury. The Merck Manuals Medical Online Library: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec14/ch179/ch179c.html. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Mononucleosis. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/infections/common/viral/077.html. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Splenectomy. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/articles/655.printerview.html. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Indications for splenectomy. National Guideline Clearinghouse. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=5505. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
