Splenic injury from blunt trauma

Abstract

Taken together, for patients with isolated blunt splenic injury, a very high rate of successful non-operative, spleen-salvaging management can be expected with use of selective angioembolization. For patients with considerable co-morbidity, older age, and particularly those with other relevant organ injuries from blunt trauma, the success rate may be lower. In the setting of more complex combinations of factors to consider, the use of prophylactic angioembolization, the need for ongoing surveillance, and need for change in management as a response to altered physiological parameters must be considered within an ongoing team discussion. Splenectomy should be the safe choice where spleen salvage is unlikely to succeed or is felt to be of an unwarranted high risk.