Indication:
Spleens that have been injured and are bleeding require splenorrhaphy (repair of the spleen) or if this is not successful a
splenectomy. Most commonly these injuries are from car or bike accidents, falls, kicks, etc.
Preoperative Evaluation:
All patients require blood tests to verify that they are bleeding internally despite blood transfusions and medications.
Frequently a CAT scan is used to locate the spleen as a cause of internal bleeding.
Procedure:
The cracks in the spleen, which cause the bleeding, are repaired using sutures. Frequently this doesn’t completely stop the
bleeding and additional techniques must be used including blood-clotting agents applied to the bleeding areas, mesh wrapped
around the spleen to hold it together or removal of small fragments of the spleen.
Length of Stay: The average is about five days however this is variable depending upon overall patient health including additional injuries sustained at the time of the accident.
Recovery: 4 to 6 weeks with no driving for 2 weeks and no lifting over 10 pounds for 6 weeks
