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Module 5: Abdominal Injuries

Segment 3: Splenic Injuries

References labeled PEDS contain a pediatric element or primary focus.

Topic: Solid organ injuries

  • Baygeldi S, Karakose O, Özcelik KC, et al. Factors affecting morbidity in solid organ injuries. Dis Markers. 2016;2016:6954758. doi: 10.1155/2016/6954758 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27375316/.
  • Bolouvi EH, Alturki N, Lee J, et al. Discharging stable isolated blunt solid organ injuries from the emergency department: A tertiary center study. J Surg Res. 2026;324:73-78. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2026.04.033 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42172924/. Peds
  • Cioffi SP, Cimbanassi S, Chiara O. Blunt abdominal trauma: watch and wait. Curr Opin Crit Care. 2023;29(6):674-681. doi: 10.1097/mcc.0000000000001095 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37861213/.
  • Frotan MA, Edmundson P, Cooper C, et al. Role of serial phlebotomy in the management of blunt solid organ injury in adults. J Trauma Nurs. 2023;30(3):135-141. doi: 10.1097/jtn.0000000000000718 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37144801/.
  • Jeroukhimov I, Wiser I, Hershkovitz Y, et al. Frequency of intra-abdominal organ injury is higher in patients with concomitant stab wounds to other anatomical areas. BMC Emerg Med. 2018;18(1):18. doi: 10.1186/s12873-018-0167-4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29945558/.
  • Kanlerd A, Auksornchart K, Boonyasatid P. Nonoperative management for abdominal solid-organ injuries: A literature review. Chin J Traumatol. 2021;doi: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2021.09.006 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34654595/.
  • Khurshid MH, Castillo Diaz F, Hejazi O, et al. Report cards are out: Nine years of nonoperative management for blunt abdominal solid organ trauma. J Surg Res. 2025;314:49-58. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2025.06.073 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40716199/.
  • Kozar RA CM, Shanmuganathan K, Zarzaur BL, Coburn M, Cribari C, Kaups K, Schuster K, Tominaga GT; . Organ injury scaling 2018 update: Spleen, liver, and kidney. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2018;85(6):1119-1122. doi: 10.1097/TA.0000000000002058 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30462622/.
  • Nasef H, Espat NN, Chin B, et al. Early versus late venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: Impact on outcomes of blunt solid abdominal organ injuries. J Trauma Nurs. 2025;doi: 10.1097/jtn.0000000000000883 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41092083/.
  • Santos J, Kunz S, Grigorian A, et al. Lack of concordance between Abbreviated Injury Scale and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale in patients with high-grade solid organ injury. J Am Coll Surg. 2024;239(4):347-353. doi: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000001117 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38748592/.
  • Seo GY, Das A, Manzanero S, et al. The influence of pre-injury anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents on outcomes in trauma patients sustaining abdominal solid organ injuries: A scoping review. Injury. 2025;56(3):112175. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112175 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39842106/.
  • Smith TA, Eastaway A, Hartt D, et al. Endovascular embolization in renal trauma: a narrative review. Ann Transl Med. 2020;9(14):1198. doi:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34430639/.


Topic: Splenic injuries

  • Alomar Z, Alomar Y, Mahmood I, et al. Complications and failure rate of splenic artery angioembolization following blunt splenic trauma: A systematic review. Injury. 2024;55(10) doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.111753 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39111269/.
  • Barnes E, Carroll J, Nasim S, et al. The incidence, treatment and evolution of vascular injuries in high-grade blunt abdominal solid organ trauma. Injury. 2026;57(1):112876. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112876 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41206267/.
  • Bundschu I, Brown A, Prashar S, et al. Splenic angioembolization and operative management rates across trauma center levels: A national analysis of blunt splenic injury outcomes. J Surg Res. 2026;324:10-19. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2026.04.016 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42127550/.
  • Clements W, Woolley I, Zia MA, et al. A nationwide Australian cross-sectional study assessing current management and infection prevention practices after Splenic Artery Embolisation (SAE) following trauma. Injury. 2025;doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112593 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40664568/.
  • Cretcher M, Panick CEP, Boscanin A, et al. Splenic trauma: endovascular treatment approach. Ann Transl Med. 2020;9(14):1194. doi: 10.21037/atm-20-4381 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34430635/.
  • Fransvea P, Costa G, Massa G, et al. Non-operative management of blunt splenic injury: is it really so extensively feasible? a critical appraisal of a single-center experience. Pan Afr Med J. 2019;32:52. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2019.32.52.15022 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31143357/.
  • Fransvea P, Costa G, Serao A, et al. Laparoscopic splenectomy after trauma: Who, when and how. A systematic review. J Minim Access Surg. 2021;17(2):141-146. doi: 10.4103/jmas.JMAS_149_19 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31670290/.
  • Gerard J, Martin C, Reid L, et al. Operative Versus Nonoperative Management in High-Grade Blunt Splenic Injuries: A 10-year Analysis. J Surg Res. 2026;326:313-318. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2026.06.048 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42442209/.
  • Huang W, Braschi C, Jin F, et al. Severe splenic injuries in patients with multiple trauma. JAMA Surg. 2026;doi: 10.1001/jamasurg.2026.0016 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41739451/.
  • Jakob DA, Müller M, Kolitsas A, et al. Surgical repair vs splenectomy in patients with severe traumatic spleen injuries. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(8):e2425300. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.25300 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39093564/.
  • Jenkins P, Sorrell L, Zhong J, et al. Management of penetrating splenic trauma; is it different to the management of blunt trauma? Injury. 2025;56(5):112084. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.112084 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39701904/.
  • Kozar RA, Crandall M, Shanmuganathan K, et al. Organ injury scaling 2018 update: Spleen, liver, and kidney. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2018;85(6):1119-1122. doi: 10.1097/ta.0000000000002058 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30462622/.
  • Larson NJ, Chrenka E, Dries DJ, et al. Outcomes after splenic injury in geriatric trauma: Is splenic embolization helpful? J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2026;100(4):580-587. doi: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004884 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41549811/.
  • Naveed A, Adams-McGavin RC, Beckett A, et al. Can we predict failure of non-operative management of blunt splenic injuries on arrival? A comparison of predictors of immediate splenectomy versus splenectomy secondary to non-operative management failure. Trauma. 2024;26(4):297-305. doi: 10.1177/14604086231184505 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/14604086231184505.
  • Okada N, Mitani H, Mori T, et al. Transarterial embolization to treat hemodynamically unstable trauma patients with splenic injuries: A retrospective multicenter observational study. Injury. 2025;56(1):111768. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.111768 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39117521/.
  • Romeo L, Bagolini F, Ferro S, et al. Laparoscopic surgery for splenic injuries in the era of non-operative management: current status and future perspectives. Surg Today. 2021;51(7):1075-1084. doi: 10.1007/s00595-020-02177-2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33196920/.
  • Rosenberg GM, Knowlton L, Rajasingh C, et al. National readmission patterns of isolated splenic injuries based on initial management strategy. JAMA Surg. 2017;152(12):1119-1125. doi: 10.1001/jamasurg.2017.2643 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28768329/.

Topic: Trauma patient assessment/imaging

  • Atkins KK, Gallaher JR, Schneider AB, et al. Trends and outcomes following diagnostic laparoscopy for blunt abdominal trauma in the United States. Injury. 2026;57(9) doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2026.113153 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2026.113153.
  • Chiu MZ, Stoeckel A, York J, et al. Review of current pediatric trauma imaging guidelines. Curr Trauma Rep. 2026;12(1):8. doi: 10.1007/s40719-026-00304-x https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-026-00304-x. PEDS
  • Hutchings S, Duranteau J. How we use ultrasound in the initial management of the critically ill trauma patient. Intensive Care Med. 2025;doi: 10.1007/s00134-025-07802-7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39961850/.
  • Jensen S, Simmons C, Wu CK, et al. Nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury: Need for routine serial imaging? A ten-year retrospective series. Injury. 2025:112627. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112627 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40803925/.
  • Li W, Beckett A, Ditkofsky N, et al. Who is at risk of clinical deterioration? Adverse events among trauma patients undergoing intra-hospital transport for emergent computerized tomography. Trauma. 2023;0(0):14604086231190802. doi: 10.1177/14604086231190802 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/14604086231190802.
  • Martin MJ, Brown CVR, Shatz DV, et al. Evaluation and management of abdominal stab wounds: A Western Trauma Association critical decisions algorithm. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2018;85(5):1007-1015. doi: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001930 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29659472/.
  • Perea LL, Fletcher KL, Morgan ME, et al. Moderate- to high-grade blunt liver and spleen injuries warrant repeat imaging to identify treatable complications: Results of the Radiographic Evaluation of Delayed Solid Organ Complications EAST multicenter trial. Ann Surg. 2025;282(4):580-591. doi: 10.1097/sla.0000000000006831 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40623163/.
  • Qamar SR, Green CR, Ghandehari H, et al. CETARS/CAR practice guideline on imaging the pregnant trauma patient. Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal. 2024:08465371241254966. doi: 10.1177/08465371241254966 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38813997/.
  • Smith-Bindman R, Chu PW, Azman Firdaus H, et al. Projected lifetime cancer risks from current computed tomography imaging. JAMA Intern Med. 2025;doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.0505 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40227719/.
  • Vasquez M, Dhillon NK, Feliciano DV, et al. The fallacy of a roadmap computed tomography after an abdominal gunshot wound: A road that leads to nowhere. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2024;97(5):785-790. doi: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004404 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39443840/.
  • Zarama V, García MC, Arango-Ibanez JP, et al. Incidence of intra-abdominal injury after blunt abdominal trauma with negative CT scan: a systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Emerg Surg. 2026;21(1) doi: 10.1186/s13017-026-00680-4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41703626/.

Topic: Splenic injury concerns

  • Luu S, Spelman D, Woolley IJ. Post-splenectomy sepsis: preventative strategies, challenges, and solutions. Infect Drug Resist. 2019;12:2839-2851. doi: 10.2147/idr.s179902 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31571940/.
  • Paran M, Becker ABI, Dreznik Y, et al. Does the spleen fully recover? Immune function after non-operative management of splenic injury. Injury. 2025:112816. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112816 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41162235/. PEDS
  • Perea LL, Fletcher KL, Morgan ME, et al. Routine repeat imaging of blunt splenic injuries identifies complications prior to clinical change. Trauma. 2022;25(4):329-337. doi: 10.1177/14604086221103060 https://doi.org/10.1177/14604086221103060.
  • Podda M, De Simone B, Ceresoli M, et al. Follow-up strategies for patients with splenic trauma managed non-operatively: the 2022 World Society of Emergency Surgery consensus document. World J Emerg Surg. 2022;17(1):52. doi: 10.1186/s13017-022-00457-5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36224617/.
  • Tahir F, Ahmed J, Malik F. Post-splenectomy sepsis: A review of the literature. Cureus. 2020;12(2):e6898. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6898 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32195065/.
  • Werner NL, Zarzaur BL. Contemporary management of adult splenic injuries: What you need to know. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2025;98(6):840-849. doi: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004570 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40128168/.