Treatments for Ruptured Spleen After a Serious Accident

If a victim of a slip and fall, car, or workplace accident suffers a serious blow or other trauma to his abdominal area, it could cause his spleen to tear or rupture. This often is a medical emergency due to all the internal bleeding that results—especially if the spleen ruptures. Unfortunately, even with treatment, the person could die, or could suffer life-long complications from losing his spleen.

Four Treatments for a Ruptured Spleen

The spleen is a small but important organ that produces white blood cells to fight infection and new red blood cells to replace older ones. Unfortunately, the symptoms of a ruptured spleen—such as pain in the upper stomach, fatigue, or nausea—may not become evident for weeks or a month after the accident.

Emergency surgery could be required…

• If there is massive internal bleeding
• If the person has low blood pressure or unstable vital signs

In the past, the person’s spleen would have been completely removed. Accident victims will still need to be hospitalized, but they have different treatment options now that include:

1. Observation. If the tear is small to moderate, the patient may be hospitalized while the injury heals so his doctor can monitor his progress and administer blood transfusions as necessary.
2. Repair surgery. A surgeon may be able to repair the tear to the spleen with stitches if the injury is not too severe.
3. Partial removal of the spleen. The surgeon may remove only a portion of the spleen to repair the damage caused by the accident in some circumstances, allowing the victim to keep at least a portion of his spleen.
4. Removal of the spleen. If the rupture is severe, the entire spleen would need to be removed. While a person does not need the spleen to survive, he is at a much greater risk of serious infections if the entire spleen cannot be saved, and will most likely be facing life-long medical care.

If your spleen was injured in a serious accident caused by a person’s or business’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call us at (727) 345-4566 to schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options.