Blunt abdominal splenic injury

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the pattern and management outcome of splenic rupture resulting from blunt abdominal trauma in order to proffer solutions for prevention and improved management in the light of the changing trend in the management of splenic injuries. There were 37 patients, 27(73%) males and 10(27%) females, with a M: F ratio of 2.7: 1. The age range was 3-50yrs with a mean of 15.8years. Road Traffic accident involving 29 patients (78.4%) was the commonest cause of blunt splenic abdominal injuries. Most of the injuries involved children 23(62.2%). One patient had splenorrhaphy while 36 patients had total splenectomy. The severity of injury often in diseased spleens accounted for the low salvage rate. Keywords : Blunt abdominal trauma, splenic injury Nigerian Journal of surgical Sciences Vol. 16 (2) 2006: pp. 63-67