Long-term outcome of nonoperative pediatric splenic injury management

Background

Nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt splenic trauma is the standard of care in hemodynamically stable children. The long-term risk of this strategy remains unknown. The object of this study was to investigate the incidence of long-term complications after NOM of pediatric splenic injury.

Methods

All children who underwent NOM for blunt splenic trauma over an 11-year period were identified. Patients were interviewed for any ailments that could be related to their splenic injury, and hospital data were analyzed.

Results

A total of 266 patients were identified, and 228 patients (86%) were interviewed. Mean follow-up time was 5 ± 3 years. One patient had a delayed complication, a splenic pseudocyst. Pain more than 4 weeks after injury was unusual. Time until return to full activity varied broadly.

Conclusion

The incidence of long-term complications after NOM of pediatric splenic injury was 1 (0.44%) in 228 patients. Nonoperative management of pediatric blunt splenic trauma in children is associated with a minimal risk of long-term complications.