Management of Isolated Traumatic Splenic Injuries: A Review Article
Keywords:
Splenic injury; traumatic splenic injury; isolated splenic trauma; AAST scale; ultrasonography; computed tomography; non-operative management; splenic angioembolization.Abstract
Background: Splenic injury is one of the most common intra-abdominal injuries following abdominal trauma, especially blunt abdominal trauma and road traffic accidents. Isolated traumatic splenic injury may present with abdominal pain, left upper quadrant tenderness, shock, or delayed splenic rupture. Accurate diagnosis and grading are essential for choosing the proper management strategy.
Aim: This review aims to discuss the important scientific points related to isolated traumatic splenic injuries, including etiology, clinical presentation, grading, evaluation, ultrasonographic findings, computed tomography findings, and management principles.
Conclusion: Management of isolated traumatic splenic injuries depends mainly on the patient’s hemodynamic status, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and grade of splenic injury. Ultrasonography is useful for rapid detection of intra-abdominal blood, while contrast-enhanced CT is the preferred diagnostic modality in hemodynamically stable patients. Non-operative management, including splenic angioembolization, is preferred in selected stable patients to preserve splenic function and reduce the risks related to splenectomy.