SPLENIC TRAUMA- SAVAGE VS SALVAGE AN UPDATE ON THE NON-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF HIGH GRADE SPLENIC TRAUMA

Abstract

The spleen is one of the most frequently injured intra-abdominal organs in blunt abdominal trauma. Since the first documented case report of a splenic trauma in 1902, for over 7 decades – surgical management has been the gospel. Only over the past 3-4 decades with the overwhelming mortality accompanying post splenectomy in the form of OPSI, have the medical dictums finally started to search reason in other non-surgical approaches. With the advent of modern imaging technology with non-invasive tests and our increasing knowledge of the immunological functions of the spleen in the human body has actually paved the pathway for the development of norms for splenic salvage. Non-operative management has showed a decrease in overall mortality and morbidity although it bears with itself its own repercussions. This update studies the existing literature and delves into solving the practical dilemma that accompanies the management of splenic trauma