When doctors save an injured spleen after a crash
A trauma surgeon on delayed bleeding and getting back to activity safely
The spleen sits under your ribs on the left side. A crash can tear it and cause bleeding. If your blood pressure and exams stay stable, a trauma team may leave the spleen in place. Some people also need embolization, a procedure that blocks a bleeding blood vessel. [1]
Keeping the spleen can be worthwhile. Even so, bleeding can still happen later. Your discharge instructions should spell out that risk and when to come back. [1]
Know what was done
Ask about the grade of your injury. Find out if the scan showed active bleeding or a damaged artery and whether you had embolization. Ask if your whole spleen still works. Find out whether your team recommends any vaccines after your specific treatment. Vaccine advice can differ after embolization of the spleen. Keep your discharge and procedure summaries. [1]
Set a clear limit on activity while you heal
Ask when you can lift, drive, go back to physical work and return to contact sports. The safe timing depends on your injury and your follow up. Don’t borrow a one size fits all timeline from another patient. Ask whether a repeat scan is booked or whether scans will depend on your symptoms. Go to your trauma clinic appointment even if you feel normal. [1]
Move fast on signs of bleeding
Get emergency care for new, severe pain in your upper left belly or pain in your left shoulder. Fainting, dizziness or sudden weakness also need emergency care. Tell the emergency team your spleen was injured and whether it was embolized. Call your trauma team for a fever or pain that keeps growing and won’t go away. When symptoms are changing, don’t wait for your next scheduled scan. [1]
Questions about your spleen
- How serious was the injury, and was an artery embolized?
- What activity limits apply to me?
- Do I need a scan, vaccines or another follow up visit?
Save your spleen details in your phone
Add your spleen diagnosis and any embolization to the medical record on your phone. Keep the warning signs that mean you should come back in the same place. [1]
Sources and further reading
This page shares general education from the viewpoint of trauma surgery. Treatment and follow up differ from one injury to the next. Follow the activity and imaging plan your trauma team gave you exactly.
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