Splenic Trauma
Splenic trauma is a physical injury to the spleen, the organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen. The spleen is the most commonly injured organ from blunt abdominal trauma, such as car accidents, falls, or sport injuries. The spleen is an organ that produces white blood cells, filters the blood, stores blood cells and destroys those that are old. It is involved in the production and maintenance of blood cells and the immune system (the system in the body which fights infections).A direct blow to the abdomen may bruise, tear or shatter the spleen. Because of the large blood supply, splenic trauma may cause serious internal bleeding, abdominal pain, tenderness, and swelling. Splenic trauma patients require an operation when major internal bleeding exists. If removal of the spleen is necessary a patient can continue to live a healthy normal life. Complete recovery is anticipated and should occur within 4 to 6 weeks. For isolated injuries to the spleen, hospitalization is usually less than a week.
References: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002944.htm