DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i05.077

Pages: 2280-2286

Trauma is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in India. Although protected under the bony ribcage, the spleen remains the most commonly affected organ in blunt injury to the abdomen in all age groups. Blunt injury to the abdomen frequently results in life-threatening splenic injuries. There was a significant male predominance. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the predominant mode of injury followed by fall from height. On examination, the majority of the patients had abdominal tenderness. All the patients were started on crystalloids while blood products were transfused in shocked patients. Splenic injury was diagnosed during the primary survey and confirmed by free fluid and solid organ injuries on focused abdominal sonography in trauma (FAST). Computed tomography scan of the abdomen was performed in 22% of the patients. About two third of the patients were managed conservatively. Splenectomy was performed with all grade IV and grade V injuries showing hemodynamic instability.