Shreyas Iyer’s Injury Explained: Dr Gaurav Bharadwaj on Laceration and Ruptured Spleen Treatment

When Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer suffered a fall while fielding in the recent ODI series against Australia, reports confirmed a laceration of the spleen — a type of internal organ injury often associated with abdominal trauma.

To help the public understand this condition, Dr. Gaurav Bharadwaj(Director & Senior Consultant – Sports Injury, Joint Preservation & Replacement Surgery) and Dr. Bhushan Prabhakar Bhole(Senior Consultant – GI, HPB & Liver Transplant Surgery) from PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, explain what a spleen laceration means, how it occurs, and what recovery typically involves.

Understanding the Spleen and Its Role

The spleen is a soft, blood-rich organ tucked under the left rib cage. It filters the blood, supports immunity, and recycles red blood cells. Because it is highly vascular, even a small tear can cause significant internal bleeding.

Ruptured Spleen Causes — How Injuries Happen

According to Dr Bharadwaj, ruptured spleen causes typically include:

• High-impact trauma from road accidents or sports injuries.
• Falls or collisions that hit the lower chest or left upper abdomen.
• Rib fractures that puncture or compress the spleen.
• Rarely, infections or enlarged spleens (splenomegaly) make it more prone to rupture.

In Iyer’s case, a forceful landing on the left side likely created enough pressure to tear the spleen’s outer capsule, leading to internal bleeding.

What Is a Laceration of the Spleen?

A laceration means a cut or tear in the organ’s tissue.

• Mild: Surface capsule tear, minimal bleeding.
• Moderate: Deeper cut reaching splenic tissue.
• Severe / Ruptured: Extensive tear causing free bleeding in the abdomen.

Both “spleen laceration” and “ruptured spleen” describe injuries on the same severity spectrum.

Ruptured Spleen Symptoms — What to Watch For

Dr Bharadwaj warns that ruptured spleen symptoms may appear gradually and be mistaken for muscle pain. Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Sudden or worsening pain in the left upper abdomen or shoulder.
• Light-headedness, low blood pressure, or fainting.
• Abdominal bloating, tenderness, or distension.
• Rapid heartbeat and fatigue from internal blood loss.

These signs suggest internal bleeding that needs immediate medical evaluation.

Diagnosis and Emergency Management

At PSRI Hospital, the trauma team follows a structured protocol:

1. Primary Assessment: Airway, breathing, and circulation are stabilised.
2. Imaging: Ultrasound or CT scan determines injury grade and bleeding level.
3. Monitoring: Vitals and hemoglobin tracked continuously.

If bleeding is minimal and the patient stable, conservative treatment is chosen. Moderate bleeding can be controlled through angiographic embolisation — a minimally invasive way to seal damaged vessels.
Severe ruptures may require splenectomy (removal) or splenic repair by advanced surgical teams.

Ruptured Spleen Treatment and Recovery

Ruptured spleen treatment depends on severity and patient stability:

• Observation and Rest: For mild tears, typically 4–6 weeks of rest and follow-up scans.
• Interventional Radiology: Embolisation controls internal bleeding without open surgery.
• Surgery: Performed when bleeding is uncontrolled or the spleen capsule is extensively torn.

If the spleen is removed, vaccines against pneumococcal and meningococcal infections become crucial for long-term immunity.
Return to sports or strenuous activity occurs only after scans confirm full healing.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Dr Bharadwaj emphasises that many abdominal injuries look harmless but hide deep internal bleeding. In Shreyas Iyer’s case, quick medical attention and advanced imaging prevented complications.

PSRI Hospital’s trauma care unit integrates 24×7 imaging, surgical expertise, and post-trauma rehabilitation to ensure safe recovery for athletes and accident victims alike.

Conclusion

A ruptured spleen can be life-threatening if untreated, but with rapid diagnosis and expert management, full recovery is possible. Shreyas Iyer’s case reminds athletes and the public alike that persistent left-side pain after an injury should never be ignored.
If you experience abdominal trauma or symptoms after a fall, contact PSRI Hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Department or schedule a visit with Dr Gaurav Bharadwaj for prompt evaluation and expert care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main Ruptured Spleen Symptoms?
Pain under the left ribs, dizziness, low blood pressure, and abdominal swelling are key signs. Any of these after trauma requires immediate evaluation.

2. What are the common Ruptured Spleen Causes?
Sports impacts, car accidents, or a fall on the left side are leading causes. Medical conditions enlarging the spleen can also increase risk.

3. How is Ruptured Spleen Treatment done?
Treatment may include rest, embolisation, or surgery depending on bleeding severity. PSRI Hospital offers all three under one roof with 24×7 trauma care.

4. Can you live without a spleen?
Yes. However, vaccination and infection precautions are necessary to maintain immunity post-splenectomy.

5. When can athletes return after a spleen laceration?
Usually 6–8 weeks after full healing, confirmed by imaging and medical clearance. Premature activity increases risk of re-bleeding.