What Is a Ruptured Spleen?

A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately. If left untreated, the internal bleeding can be life-threatening. The spleen is a small and tender organ positioned under the ribcage on the upper left side of the abdomen. It is responsible for fighting infections and filtering out old blood cells.

The spleen is one of the easiest abdominal organs to be injured and it tends to bleed easier than other organs. A splenic rupture can be caused by a forceful blow or injury to the stomach. Common causes of a ruptured spleen are car accidents or sports injuries. A ruptured spleen may require emergency surgery or several days in the hospital.

Where Is Spleen Pain Felt?

Spleen pain may be felt across the abdomen, specifically in the upper left part of the abdomen. The pain may also radiate up to the left shoulder. You may experience tenderness when touching the upper left side of the abdomen.

Causes of a Ruptured Spleen

A ruptured spleen is typically caused by blunt force trauma. Examples of blunt force trauma include:

• Car accidents
• Sports injury or high-impact collision (football and hockey injuries are the most common)
• Domestic violence (a punch or kick to the stomach)
• Having an enlarged spleen, which weakens the outer capsule, making it more prone to rupture (a swollen spleen can be caused by cancer, infection, or chronic inflammatory diseases)

Symptoms of a Ruptured Spleen

There are several symptoms of a ruptured spleen. Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the upper left abdomen
• Pain that radiates up to the left shoulder
• Tenderness in the abdomen
• Confusion
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Paleness
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Nausea

Treatment

The type of treatment is contingent on the severity of the tear or rupture. Minor tears may only require a hospital stay and time to stop bleeding on their own. More severe tears may require emergency surgery to repair it and stop the bleeding. In the most severe and rare cases, a spleen removal (splenectomy) is required. Sometimes spleen injuries can be difficult to determine the severity. A patient that seems stable may become unstable over time as the bleeding progresses. The different treatment methods for a ruptured spleen include an embolization, splenorrhaphy, or splenectomy. All treatment methods require a hospital stay.

Recovery

Recovering from a spleen rupture depends on the severity of the rupture. For minor spleen ruptures, the prognosis is excellent and full recovery is expected. Your doctor may prescribe rest and pain medication. Severe spleen ruptures, specifically ones that require removal of the spleen, will require a longer time for healing, as well as managing your weakened immune system.

It is possible to live without a spleen, but because it significantly weakens your immune system, your doctor will discuss with you the importance of vaccinations and taking antibiotics when necessary. Children living without a spleen may need to take a daily antibiotic. People over the age of 55 have a greater risk of complications from a severe rupture.

How Long Is Recovery from a Ruptured Spleen?

Recovery time depends on the severity of the rupture. Ruptured spleens can take between 3-12 weeks.

Prevention

There are several ways to prevent a ruptured spleen. Prevention measures include:

• Wearing a seatbelt
• Avoiding high-impact activities or contact sports
• Wearing appropriate gear and padding if participating in a contact sport
• If you have a condition that causes an enlarged spleen (cancer, infection, inflammatory condition), make sure to protect yourself from any blunt force trauma or injury to the stomach

When to Seek Medical Attention

A ruptured spleen is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you have experienced a blunt force trauma to the abdomen, or suspect a ruptured spleen, please seek medical attention immediately.

Find directions to your local emergency care!