Nonsurgical management of delayed splenic rupture after blunt trauma

Delayed splenic rupture (DSR) is a rare manifestation of blunt splenic trauma, and splenectomy remains the primary treatment for patients with DSR. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with nonsurgical management of DSR with the use of splenic artery embolization (SAE) as an adjunct treatment.

This retrospective study included patients with DSR treated at our institution from January 2001 to December 2008. Management included initial resuscitation and close observation in the intensive care unit. Further interventions were based on the patient's hemodynamic status and followed a treatment protocol. These interventions included SAE or surgery.

There were 15 patients included in the analysis. Three patients underwent emergent surgery, and 12 patients received nonsurgical management initially. Of these 12 patients, five underwent SAE. One of these five patients subsequently underwent splenectomy because of recurrent bleeding. Of the remaining seven patients who received nonoperative management, one required a splenectomy because of recurrent hemorrhage and hypotension. There were no mortalities; however, two surgery-associated complications occurred. The success rate of nonsurgical therapy was 83%. SAE was used for splenic salvage with a success rate of 80% (4 of 5). The overall failure rate of DSR was 33% (5 of 15).

Nonsurgical management can safely be used in selected patients with DSR, especially for those with a good response to resuscitation. SAE is as effective for DSR as it is for acute splenic injury. Physicians should consider SAE as an option for the treatment of DSR.