Strategies For Treating And Preventing A Ruptured Spleen

Treat An Enlarged Spleen Promptly

To prevent a ruptured spleen, doctors often try to treat an enlarged spleen promptly. To diagnose an enlarged spleen, the physician will do a physical exam to measure the size of this organ and check whether it can be felt. If the physician suspects the spleen is enlarged, this can be confirmed by an ultrasound or other imaging studies. Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on the exact cause. If the enlarged spleen is due to bacterial infections, antibiotics may be given. If it is due to malaria or other parasitic infections, treating these infections can reduce the size of the spleen. If patients have no symptoms, physicians may recommend watchful waiting. This simply involves having follow-up appointments every six months to monitor the spleen's size. For some patients, clinicians may recommend treating an enlarged spleen with surgical removal of the organ.

Get the details on more options for managing a ruptured spleen now.

Surgical Repair

In cases where the spleen has been lacerated or otherwise injured, doctors may be able to use surgical repair. Surgical repairs are performed under general anesthesia, and they are often done as emergency procedures. During these procedures, surgeons will attempt to repair any tears in the spleen through the use of stitches, staples, and other surgical techniques. These repairs can stop any internal bleeding that may be occurring. During an operation to repair the spleen, doctors may discover the organ is too badly damaged for a repair to be viable. In this case, they will likely proceed with the removal of the spleen instead. Prior to having a repair procedure, patients will be informed it may be necessary to remove the spleen during the operation, and they will be asked to sign a consent form saying they agree to removal if it is required.

Uncover more information on treating a ruptured spleen now.