Shreyas Iyer suffers spleen injury; Doctor explains what spleen laceration is and its impact on other organs

Shreyas Iyer suffers from spleen laceration (Picture Credit: X)

Cricketer Shreyas Iyer's rib cage injury has devastated a lot of his fans. Everyone has their eyes on cricketer's latest health update. On Monday, BCCI released a statement which read, "Shreyas Iyer sustained an impact injury to his left lower rib cage region... He was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Scans have revealed a laceration injury to the spleen. He is under treatment, medically stable, and recovering well."

To understand more about the cricketer's situation and understand what spleen laceration is, we spoke to Dr. Brajesh Kumar Mishra, head and consultant, emergency and trauma, Asian Hospital.

What is spleen laceration?
"There is a soft part inside our body on the left side, just below the ribs it is called the spleen. When someone gets a strong hit there, that part can tear, or bleed inside. This is called a spleen laceration. There are 5 grades of splenic injury. In the first 2 grades, we can go for conservative management if the patient’s vitals are stable. But between grade 3 and 5, a patient needs urgent surgical intervention, as it can be life threatening if left untreated," explains the doctor.

Symptoms of spleen laceration
The person may feel pain on the left side of the belly or under the ribs, sometimes even in the left shoulder. They may feel dizzy, weak, or look pale . All of these signs suggest that there is blood  leaking that is happening inside. Quick medical help is required in such situations, shared Dr Mishra.

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Understanding impact of spleen laceration on other organs
The doctor told Moneycontrol that if the spleen got hurt, blood can leak inside the stomach area and press on other parts like the kidney, stomach, or lungs. It also makes the body weak in fighting infections, because the spleen helps clean the blood.

Healing time
A lot of people are worried as to how long it will take Iyer to heal and recover. To this, Dr Mishra said, "If the wound is small, it can heal and rest in about two to three months. If the injury is big, sometimes the doctor may have to remove the spleen, and then healing takes longer."
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FAQs on spleen laceration:

1. What is a spleen laceration?

A spleen laceration is a tear or rupture in the spleen, usually caused by blunt abdominal trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls, or sports injuries). It can lead to internal bleeding and may be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

2. What are the symptoms of a spleen laceration?

Common symptoms include:

Pain or tenderness in the left upper abdomen or left shoulder (Kehr’s sign)
Dizziness or fainting due to blood loss
Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure
Signs of shock in severe cases

3. How is a spleen laceration diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves:

Physical examination for abdominal tenderness or signs of internal bleeding
Imaging tests such as an ultrasound (FAST scan) or CT scan to confirm the extent of the injury

4. What are the treatment options for a spleen laceration?

Treatment depends on the severity:

Mild to moderate lacerations: Often managed non-surgically with hospital observation, bed rest, and monitoring of vital signs and hemoglobin levels.
Severe lacerations or ongoing bleeding: May require surgical repair (splenorrhaphy) or splenectomy (removal of the spleen).

5. What are the potential complications and long-term effects?

Complications may include:

Ongoing internal bleeding or delayed rupture
Infection (especially if the spleen is removed)
Long-term increased risk of infections after splenectomy, requiring vaccinations and preventive antibiotics

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.