RESUMO
Spleen is the most frequently injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma. This study is conducted to evaluate operative and non-operative management [NOM] performed for splenic trauma by comparing their outcomes. This is a prospective study, including 72 patients treated for splenic trauma, performed at Algamhouria General Hospital from 1st February 2009 to 31st January 2013. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 17. A p value = 0.05 was considered significant. Associated injury, blood transfusion requirements, morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay was done and discussed. There were 52 males [72.2%] and 20 females [27.8%] patients, and the mean age was 30.93 +/- 15.41 years. Blunt and penetrating injuries were documented in 62 [86%] and 10 [14%] patients, respectively. Of the 72 patients, 38 patients [52.8%] were treated surgically and 34 patients [47.2%] were treated conservatively. Laparotomy was performed in 38 patients [52.8%], of which 34 patients [47.2%] undergone splenectomy and 4 patients [5.6%] undergone splenorrhaphy. The mean units of blood transfused in both groups were 2.29 +/- 1.89 units. Associated injuries were observed in 69 patients [95.8%], with head injury as the commonest one. The morbidity rate in all patients was 5.6%. The mortality rate was 5.6% for all patients. The mean length of hospital stay was 11.66 +/- 5.66 days. The selection of NOM in hemodynamically stable patients is safe, effective and associated with low morbidity and low mortality. However, this depends on the individual merits of each case and the available facilities of adequate scanning and ICU monitoring service.