Blunt Splenic Injury In Adults Research Articles

Blunt splenic injury in adults: Association between volumetric quantitative CT parameters and intervention.

Computed tomography volumetry of blunt splenic injury-related features predicts splenectomy and angioembolization in adults and identifies clinically important target features for computer vision and automation research. BACKGROUND Several ordinal grading systems are used in deciding whether to perform angioembolization (AE) or splenectomy following blunt splenic injury (BSI). The 2018 American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) Organ Injury Scale incorporates vascular lesions but not hemoperitoneum, which is considered in the Thompson classifier. Granular and verifiable quantitative measurements of these features may have a future role in facilitating objective decision making. PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to compare performance of computed tomography (CT) volumetry-based quantitative modeling to the 1994 and 2018 AAST Organ Injury Scale and Thompson classifier for the following endpoints: decision to perform splenectomy (SPY), and the composite of SPY or AE. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult BSI patients (age ≥18 years) scanned with dual-phase CT prior to intervention at a single Level I trauma center from 2017 to 2019 were included in this retrospective study (n = 174). Scoring using 2018 AAST, 1994 AAST, and Thompson systems was performed retrospectively by two radiologists and arbitrated by a third. Endpoints included (1) SPY and (2) the composite of SPY or AE. Logistic regression models were developed from segmented active bleed, contained vascular lesion, splenic parenchymal disruption, and hemoperitoneum volumes. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for ordinal systems and volumetric models were compared. RESULTS Forty-seven BSI patients (27%) underwent SPY, and 87 patients (50%) underwent SPY or AE. Quantitative model AUCs (0.85—SPY, 0.82—composite) were not significantly different from 2018 AAST AUCs (0.81, 0.88, p = 0.66, 0.14) for both endpoints and were significantly improved over Thompson scoring (0.76, p = 0.02; 0.77, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Quantitative CT volumetry can be used to model intervention for BSI with accuracy comparable to 2018 AAST scoring and significantly higher than Thompson scoring. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Spleen size greater than 9.76 cm may impact the treatment strategy for blunt splenic injury in adults - A retrospective analysis of experience at a tertiary trauma center in Taiwan

The present study investigated the impact of splenomegaly on the treatment outcomes of blunt splenic injury patients. All blunt splenic injury patients were enrolled between 2010 and 2018. The exclusion criteria were age less than 18 years, missing data, and splenectomy performed at another hospital. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of splenomegaly, defined as a spleen length over 9.76cm on axial computed tomography. The primary outcome was the need for hemostatic interventions. A total of 535 patients were included. Patients with splenomegaly had more high-grade splenic injuries (p=0.007). Hemostatic treatments (p<0.001) and transarterial embolization (p=0.003) were more frequently required for patients with splenomegaly. Multivariate analysis showed that male sex (p=0.023), more packed red blood cell transfusions (p=0.001), splenomegaly (p=0.019) and grade 3-5 splenic injury (p<0.001) were predictors of hemostatic treatment. The failure rate of transarterial embolization was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.180). The sensitivity and specificity for splenomegaly in predicting hemostatic procedures were 48.8% and 66.5%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 62.8% and 52.9%, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 3.7%. Splenomegaly is an independent predictor for the requirement of hemostatic treatments in blunt splenic injury patients, especially transarterial embolization. Transarterial embolization is as effective for blunt splenic injury patients with splenomegaly as it is for those with a normal spleen.

Combined Blunt Splenic Injury in Adults: Modern Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment

Background. The high frequency of injuries of the spleen, as well as its important immunocompetent role in the body, dictate the need to develop a standardized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of this category of patients.Aim. Standardization of the treatment and diagnostic approach for combined blunt splenic injury to improve treatment results.Material and methods. The analysis of literary sources of Russian and foreign authors on this issue.Results. The therapeutic and diagnostic algorithm was developed for combined blunt splenic injury based on the severity of the patient, and a detailed description of non-operative and damage control surgical treatment was given.Conclusion. The use of endovascular interventions in the treatment of splenic injuries, as well as their gradual treatment in conditions of severe polytrauma, helps to reduce mortality.

Trends in Blunt Splenic Injury Management: The Rise of Splenic Artery Embolization

IntroductionSplenic injury is common in blunt trauma. We sought to evaluate the injury characteristics and outcomes of BSI admitted over a 10-y period to an academic trauma center. MethodsA retrospective review of adult blunt splenic injury patients admitted between January 2009 and September 2018. ResultsThe 423 patients meeting inclusion criteria were divided by management: Observational (OBS, n = 261), splenic surgery (n = 114 including 4 splenorrhaphy patients), SAE (n = 43), and multiple treatment modalities (3 had SAE followed by surgery and 2 OBS patients underwent splenic surgery at readmission). The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle collision (47.8%). The median ISS (OBS 17, SAE 22, Surgery 34) and spleen AIS (OBS 2, SAE 3, Surgery 4) were significantly different. Complication rates (OBS 21.8%, SAE 9.3%, Surgery 45.6%) rates were significantly different, but mortality (OBS 7.3%, SAE 2.3%, Surgery 13.2%), discharge to home and readmission rates were not. Additional abdominal injuries were identified in 26.3% of the surgery group and 2.7% of OBS group. SAE rate increased from 3.0% to 28%; median spleen AIS remained 2-3. Thirty-five patients expired; 28 had severe head, chest, and/or extremity injuries (AIS ≥4). ConclusionSAE rates increased over time. Splenorrhaphy rates were low. SAE was associated with relatively low rates of mortality and complications in appropriately selected patients.

The management of blunt splenic injury in adults: The trauma centre experience in Dubai

Introduction: The spleen is the most frequently injured solid organ during blunt abdominal trauma. The treatment strategy for managing splenic insults came under review as doctors were increasingly concerned about post-splenectomy sepsis. Nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt splenic injuries (BSIs) became the standard of care for most of the cases where patients are haemodynamically stable, irrespective of injury grade. Methodology: This is a retrospective study where all adult patients with blunt abdominal injuries treated at level-1 trauma centre in Dubai, between January 2011 and October 2013, were reviewed. Data regarding demographics, pre-operative management, intraoperative findings, blood transfusions requirements and length of hospital stay were collected from patients' files. SPSS (version 20, IBM) was used for data analysis. Results: During the study, 153 patients were enrolled. Nearly 82% of patients with splenic injury were between 13 and 44 years of age. Only 12 patients had an isolated splenic injury. Of 153 patients, 106 were managed conservatively; only 6/106 failed the conservative treatment and got operated. Of 6 patients, 2 were operated due to bowel perforation and the rest 4 patients underwent splenectomy due to hemodynamic instability and drop in haemoglobin. Among the living group, 25/30 patients with Grade I injury and 45/50 patients with Grade II injury were managed conservatively. Conclusion: NOM of BSI was successful in 62.1% in our study which is consistent with other studies. Careful selection of patient and resource availability should be taken into consideration while adopting NOM approach.

Nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury in adults: there is (still) a long way to go. The results of the Bologna-Maggiore Hospital trauma center experience and development of a clinical algorithm.

Non-operative management (NOM) of hemodynamically stable patients with blunt splenic injury (BSI) is the standard of care, although it is associated with a potential risk of failure. Hemodynamically unstable patients should always undergo immediate surgery and avoid unnecessary CT scans. Angioembolization might help to increase the NOM rates, as well as NOM success rates. The aim of this study was to review and critically analyze the data from BSI cases managed at the Maggiore Hospital Trauma Center during the past 5 years, with a focus on NOM, its success rates and outcomes. A further aim was to develop a proposed clinical practical algorithm for the management of BSI derived from Clinical Audit experience. During the period between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013 we managed 293 patients with splenic lesions at the Trauma Center of Maggiore Hospital of Bologna. The data analyzed included the demographics, clinical parameters and characteristics, diagnostic and therapeutic data, as well as the outcomes and follow-up data. A retrospective evaluation of the clinical outcomes through a clinical audit has been used to design a practical clinical algorithm. During the five-year period, 293 patients with BSI were admitted, 77 of whom underwent immediate surgical management. The majority (216) of the patients was initially managed non-operatively and 207 of these patients experienced a successful NOM, with an overall rate of successful NOM of 70 % among all BSI cases. The success rate of NOM was 95.8 % in this series. All patients presenting with stable hemodynamics underwent an immediate CT-scan; angiography with embolization was performed in 54 cases for active contrast extravasation or in cases with grade V lesions even in absence of active bleeding. Proximal embolization was preferentially used for high-grade injuries. After a critical review of the cases treated during the past 5 years during a monthly clinical audit meeting, a clinical algorithm has been developed with the aim of standardizing the clinical management of BSI by a multidisciplinary team to include every patient within the correct diagnostic and therapeutic pathway, in order to improve the outcomes by potentially decreasing the NOM failure rates and to optimize the utilization of resources.

Nonoperative Management of Adult Blunt Splenic Injury With and Without Splenic Artery Embolotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

Background:Observation and splenic artery embolotherapy (SAE) are nonoperative management (NOM) modalities for adult blunt splenic injury; however, they are quite different, inconsistently applied, and controversial. This meta-analysis compares the known outcomes data for observational management ve

Nonoperative Management of Adult Blunt Splenic Injury With and Without Splenic Artery Embolotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

Nonoperative Management of Adult Blunt Splenic Injury With and Without Splenic Artery Embolotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

Variation in the Use of Urgent Splenectomy After Blunt Splenic Injury in Adults

Recent reports indicate that mortality after trauma center admission may be directly related to the rate of operative intervention after blunt solid organ injury. These findings bring into question the role of urgent splenectomy after blunt splenic injury (BSI). The purpose of this study was to determine the role of urgent splenectomy (defined as splenectomy within 6 hours of admission) in the management of BSI as well as the relationship between urgent splenectomy and in-hospital mortality. The National Trauma Data Bank for 2007 was queried for adults (18-81) who suffered BSI. Patients who died in or were transferred from the emergency department were excluded. Hierarchical multivariate models were used to account for clustering of patients within hospitals and to identify hospital and patient factors associated with urgent splenectomy. Propensity score matching was used to analyze the relationship between urgent splenectomy and mortality. There were 507,202 total incidents identified. Of those, 11,793 met inclusion criteria. Urgent splenectomy was performed on 1,104 (9.4%). Hierarchical models revealed that age ≥55 years, arrival systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg, no or mild head injury, increasing injury severity, and massive disruption of the spleen were associated with urgent splenectomy. Hospitals level factors associated with urgent splenectomy included hospital region, hospital type, and trauma center level. The propensity-matched cohorts revealed no association between urgent splenectomy and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.42). Despite ongoing variation in the use of urgent splenectomy after BSI in adults, urgent splenectomy was not associated with in-hospital mortality.

Nonoperative Management of Adult Blunt Splenic Injury With and Without Splenic Artery Embolotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

Observation and splenic artery embolotherapy (SAE) are nonoperative management (NOM) modalities for adult blunt splenic injury; however, they are quite different, inconsistently applied, and controversial. This meta-analysis compares the known outcomes data for observational management versus SAE by splenic injury grade cohort. Thirty-three blunt splenic injury outcomes articles, published between 1994 and 2009, comprising 24 unique data sets are identified. Of these, nine gave outcomes data by splenic injury grade for observational management and SAE separately. Failure rates were collected and analyzed using random effects estimates. Overall, 68.4% of the 10,157 patients were managed nonoperatively. The overall failure rate estimate of NOM is 8.3% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 6.7% to 10.2%. The observational management failure rate estimate without SAE increases from 4.7% to 83.1% in splenic injury grade 1 to 5 patients. The overall failure rate estimate of SAE is 15.7% (95% CI, 10.4-23.2) and did not vary significantly from splenic injury grades 1 to 5 (p=0.413). The failure rate of observational management without SAE is statistically higher than the failure rare estimate of SAE in splenic injury grade 4 and 5 injuries: 43.7% (95% CI, 25.5-63.8) versus 17.3% (95% CI, 7.8-34.1), p=0.035 and 83.1% (95% CI, 45.2-96.7) versus 25.0% (95% CI, 8.7-53.8), p=0.016, respectively. This meta-analysis synthesizes NOM outcomes data by modality and splenic injury grade. The failure rate of observational management increases with splenic injury grade, whereas the failure rate of SAE does not change significantly. SAE is associated with significantly higher splenic salvage rates in splenic injury grade 4 and 5 injuries.

No further incidence of sepsis after splenectomy for severe trauma: a multi-institutional experience of the trauma registry of the DGU with 1,630 patients

ObjectiveNon-operative management of blunt splenic injury in adults has been applied increasingly at the end of the last century. Therefore, the lifelong risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection has been the major impetus for preservation of the spleen. However, the prevalence of posttraumatic infection after splenectomy in contrast to a conservative management is still unknown. Objective was to determine if splenectomy is an independent risk factor for the development of posttraumatic sepsis and multi-organ failure.Methods13,433 patients from 113 hospitals were prospective collected from 1993 to 2005. Patients with an injury severity score > 16, no isolated head injury, primary admission to a trauma center and splenic injury were included. Data were allocated according to the operative management into 2 groups (splenectomy (I) and conservative managed patients (II)).ResultsFrom 1,630 patients with splenic injury 758 patients undergoing splenectomy compared with 872 non-splenectomized patients. 96 (18.3%) of the patients with splenectomy and 102 (18.5%) without splenectomy had apparent infection after operation. Additionally, there was no difference in mortality (24.8% versus 22.2%) in both groups. After massive transfusion of red blood cells (> 10) non-splenectomy patients showed a significant increase of multi-organ failure (46% vs. 40%) and sepsis (38% vs. 25%).ConclusionsNon-operative management leads to lower systemic infection rates and mortality in adult patients with moderate blunt splenic injury (grade 1-3) and should therefore be advocated. Patients with grade 4 and 5 injury, patients with massive transfusion of red blood cells and unstable patients should be managed operatively.

Nonoperative Management of Blunt Splenic Trauma: Also Feasible and Safe in Centers with Low Trauma Incidence and in the Presence of Established Risk Factors.

Treatment of blunt splenic trauma has undergone dramatic changes over the last few decades. Nonoperative management (NOM) is now the preferred treatment of choice, when possible. The outcome of NOM has been evaluated. This study evaluates the results following the management of blunt splenic injury in adults in a Swedish university hospital with a low blunt abdominal trauma incidence. Fifty patients with blunt splenic trauma were treated at the Department of Surgery, Lund University Hospital from January 1994 to December 2003. One patient was excluded due to a diagnostic delay of > 24 h. Charts were reviewed retrospectively to examine demographics, injury severity score (ISS), splenic injury grade, diagnostics, treatment and outcome measures. Thirty-nine patients (80%) were initially treated nonoperatively (NOM), and ten (20%) patients underwent immediate surgery (operative management, OM). Only one (3%) patient failed NOM and required surgery nine days after admission (failure of NOM, FNOM). The patients in the OM group had higher ISS (p < 0.001), higher grade of splenic injury (p < 0.001), and were hemodynamically unstable to a greater extent (p < 0.001). This was accompanied by increased transfusion requirements (p < 0.001), longer stay in the ICU unit (p < 0.001) and higher costs (p = 0.001). Twenty-seven patients were successfully treated without surgery. No serious complication was found on routine radiological follow-up. Most patients in this study were managed conservatively with a low failure rate of NOM. NOM of blunt splenic trauma could thus be performed in a seemingly safe and effective manner, even in the presence of established risk factors. Routine follow-up with CT scan did not appear to add clinically relevant information affecting patient management.

Traumatisme de la rate : facteurs prédictifs d’échec du traitement non-opératoire

Non-operative management of blunt splenic injury in adults has been applied with increasing frequency. However, predictive criteria for successful non-operative management are still a matter of debate. we retrospectively reviewed all cases of blunt splenic injury in adult patients from 1997 to 2006. Of 190 patients with blunt splenic trauma (median age: 33 years, range 16-98), 43.7% (n=83) underwent emergency surgical intervention (Group I), and 56.3% (n=105) of patients were admitted for conservative treatment of splenic trauma. Conservative treatment was successful in 76.6% (n=82) (Group II), while 23.4% (n=25) of patients required a laparotomy (Group III). Ultimately, 43.2% of patients were successfully managed non-operatively, and 56.9% underwent laparotomy. Mechanism of injury was not significantly different among three groups. Group I patients presented significantly more frequently with hypovolemic shock (p<0.01), associated injuries (p<0.01), and high grade of splenic injury (p<0.01). All patients with active bleeding as evidenced by extravasation on CT scan, underwent exploratory laparotomy. Failure of non-operative management increased significantly with splenic trauma grade (grade I (0%), grade II (22.6%), grade III (27.6%) and grade IV (40%), (p<0.01) and with quantity of hemoperitoneum (10.4% of patients with small, 22.2% of patient with moderate, and 47.8% with large hemoperitoneum). The median interval for conservative treatment failure was 3 days (range: 1-15). Splenic injuries were operatively controlled by splenectomy (91.6%) and splenorrhaphy (8.4%). Suitability of adult patients with blunt splenic injury for non-operative management may be predicted at initial presentation, based on hemodynamic status and associated injuries. The quantity of hemoperitoneum and magnitude of splenic injury are predictive factors for failure of conservative treatment. Early definition of these factors may help identify those patients likely to be successfully treated without laparotomy.

Improved outcome of adult blunt splenic injury: A cohort analysis

Improved outcome of adult blunt splenic injury: A cohort analysis

Improved outcome of adult blunt splenic injury: A cohort analysis

The purpose of this study was to review our 15-year experience in the treatment of blunt splenic injury in adults. Our hypothesis was that the implementation of a change in practice, with stress on splenic preservation and splenic artery embolization for the management of splenic injury, would result in improved splenic salvage rates without negatively affecting mortality rates. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on all consecutive adults with blunt splenic injury who were admitted to a Level One Trauma Center. The cohorts were defined by 2 separate 7.5-year periods (1991-1998 and 1998-2005). Six hundred twenty-five patients with blunt splenic trauma were identified; 403 patients who were treated from 1998 to 2005 were compared with 222 patients whose cases had been reviewed previously (1991 to 1998). The present cohort differed in age (35 vs 40 years; P < .001) and injury severity score (27 vs 21; P < .0001). Nonoperative treatment was implemented in 136 patients (61%) in the initial cohort and 344 patients (85%) in the present cohort. The frequency of splenic artery embolization increased from 2.7% to 22.6% (P < .001). The success of nonoperative management increased from 77% to 96% (P < .001); the splenic salvage rate for all patients improved from 57% to 88% (P < .0001). Hospital mortality rates decreased from 12% to 6% (P < .001), and the mean hospital length of stay decreased from 15 to 9 days (P < .001). These results demonstrate that the success of nonoperative management and the splenic preservation for blunt injury has improved over time. This improvement correlated with a greater use of splenic artery embolization.

Failure of Observation of Blunt Splenic Injury in Adults: Variability in Practice and Adverse Consequences

The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma Multiinstitutional Workgroup reported a failure rate for nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury in adults of 10.8%. Sixty percent of the failures occurred within 24 hours of admission. The purpose of this multiinstitutional study by the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma was to determine common variables in failure of nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury in adults. Medical records were reviewed in a blinded fashion on 78 patients in whom nonoperative management failed. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA, extended chi-square, and Fisher's exact test; statistical significance was p<0.05. The 78 patients were categorized based on hemodynamic status. Forty-four percent were stable; 31% had transient hypotension or tachycardia that resolved with fluid infusion (responders); and 25% were unstable. Two-thirds of the unstable patients required laparotomy within 12 hours of admission; all had laparotomy within 72 hours. Mortality was significantly different when comparing the unstable to the stable and responder groups: stable (3%), responders (8%), and unstable (37%), despite similar age and only modest differences in Injury Severity Score. Eight CT scans were misinterpreted initially. Of 26 Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma (FAST) studies, 11 (42.3%) were false negative. Abnormal abdominal findings were noted in 67.7% of patients on admission. Ten patients died (12.8%). Sixty percent of the deaths were caused largely by delayed treatment of splenic or other abdominal injuries; one patient died in the responder group and five unstable patients died. Thirty percent to 40% of the patients who had unsuccessful nonoperative management in this study were selected inappropriately, with hemodynamic instability or initial misinterpretation of diagnostic studies. As a consequence, the majority of the deaths were from delayed treatment of intraabdominal injuries. This article suggests that written protocols, better adherence to sound clinical judgment, and experienced and timely interpretation of radiologic studies would reduce the incidence of failure of nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury in adults.

Prospective evaluation of criteria for the nonoperative management of blunt splenic trauma

Meguid AA, Bair HA, Howells GA, et al (William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI) There has been significant evolution in the management of blunt splenic trauma over the past 30 years. The trend toward nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury in adults has now been accepted as the standard of care in pediatric patients as well. However, recent reports have shown increased mortality rates and failure rates associated with nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury and have prompted questions regarding the appropriate criteria for nonoperative management. The authors of this study have prospectively applied criteria developed from 15 years of experience in the nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury. These criteria are hemodynamic stability on admission or after initial resuscitation with up to 2 L of crystalloid infusion, no physical findings or any associated injuries necessitating laparotomy, and a transfusion requirement attributable to the splenic injury of 2 units or less. The most recent results with application of these criteria to the treatment of blunt splenic trauma are presented. From 1994 through 2000, a total of 99 patients presented with splenic injury. Of these patients, 31 (31%) patients underwent splenectomy resulting from hemodynamic instability, leaving 68 patients for inclusion in this report. During the observation period, 8 (12%) of the 68 patients who initially met criteria for nonoperative management had hemodynamic instability develop and underwent splenectomy. All the nonoperative management failures occurred within 72 hours of admission. There was no mortality associated with splenic injury in the nonoperative management group or in the group that failed nonoperative management, and neither group had associated morbidities from the splenic injury. There were no significant differences between the nonoperative management group and the failed nonoperative management group in terms of demographics, clinical findings, or outcome measures. It would appear from these findings that established criteria for intervention and careful observation in an intensive care setting for a minimum of 72 hours will reduce the morbidity or mortality associated with blunt splenic trauma in adults.

Management of Adult Splenic Injury: A 20-Year Perspective

The objective of this study was to identify changes in the management of blunt splenic injury in adults. Hospital discharge abstract data from Maine were used to identify patients > or = 16 years old discharged between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 2000 with International Classification of Diseases (9th revision) codes indicating splenic injury. Incidence of operative intervention and outcomes for trauma hospitals and other hospitals were determined. The number of splenic injuries was about 75 per year for the first 15 years increasing to 96 per year in the last 5-year period. The rate of operative intervention declined from 71 to 41 per cent and was lower at the trauma hospitals during the last two 5-year periods (41% vs 53%). The rate of operative intervention > 24 hours after admission was 2.2 per cent during the last 10 years of study. The rate of splenorrhaphy remained stable at about 12 per cent throughout the study period. Mortality rates were higher at the trauma hospitals as were the numbers of patients with very severe injuries (Injury Severity Score > 25). There has been a marked decrease in rate of operative intervention for splenic injury in adults especially in the last 10 years. Rates of operative intervention were lower at the trauma hospitals despite higher injury severity. Frequency of delayed intervention was low and did not increase with lower operative rate.

Prospective Evaluation of Criteria for the Nonoperative Management of Blunt Splenic Trauma

Recent reports have shown an increased mortality associated with the nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury. We have prospectively applied criteria developed from our previous 15-year experience for the nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt splenic injury. These criteria consist of 1) hemodynamic stability on admission or after initial resuscitation with up to two liters of crystalloid infusion, 2) no physical findings or any associated injuries necessitating laparotomy, and 3) a transfusion requirement attributable to the splenic injury of 2 units or less. From 1994 through 2000 a total of 99 patients presented with blunt splenic injury. Thirty-one patients (31%) underwent splenectomy secondary to hemodynamic instability. During the observation period eight of the 68 patients (12%) who initially met criteria for NOM developed hemodynamic instability and underwent splenectomy. All NOM failures occurred within 72 hours of admission. There was no mortality associated with splenic injury in the NOM (Group I) or in the group failing NOM (Group II), and no associated morbidities from the splenic injury were seen in either group. No significant differences were seen between Groups I and II in terms of age, gender, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, admitting systolic blood pressure, admitting hemoglobin, transfusion requirements, intensive care unit length of stay, or total hospital length of stay (all P > 0.200). We conclude that established criteria for intervention and careful observation in an intensive care setting for at least 72 hours will minimize morbidity or mortality associated with blunt splenic injury in adults.

Contribution of age and gender to outcome of blunt splenic injury in adults: multicenter study of the eastern association for the surgery of trauma.

The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of age and gender to outcome after treatment of blunt splenic injury in adults. Through the Multi-Institutional Trials Committee of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST), 1488 adult patients from 27 trauma centers who suffered blunt splenic injury in 1997 were examined retrospectively. Fifteen percent of patients were 55 years of age or older. A similar proportion of patients > or = 55 went directly to the operating room compared with patients < 55 (41% vs. 38%) but the mortality for patients > or = 55 was significantly greater than patients < 55 (43% vs. 23%). Patients > or = 55 failed nonoperative management (NOM) more frequently than patients < 55 (19% vs. 10%) and had increased mortality for both successful NOM (8% vs. 4%, p < 0.05) and failed NOM (29% vs. 12%, p = 0.054). There were no differences in immediate operative treatment, successful NOM, and failed NOM between men and women. However, women > or = 55 failed NOM more frequently than women < 55 (20% vs. 7%) and this was associated with increased mortality (36% vs. 5%) (both p < 0.05). Patients > or = 55 had a greater mortality for all forms of treatment of their blunt splenic injury and failed NOM more frequently than patients < 55. Women > or = 55 had significantly greater mortality and failure of NOM than women < 55.