The spleen is the organ most often damaged in cases of abdominal trauma. Severe blows over the lower left chest or upper abdomen may fracture the protecting ribs. Such a crushing injury may rupture the spleen, which causes severe intraperitoneal hemorrhage and shock.
Prompt removal of the spleen, called a splenectomy, is needed to prevent the patient from bleeding to death.
Other structures, particularly bone marrow and the liver, can take over functions normally carried out by the spleen.
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