The spleen is a small organ located behind the stomach in the upper left section of the abdomen. It is an organ that easily can be injured by trauma, for instance a violent blow to the abdomen, a car accident, a sporting accident, or broken ribs. Damage to the blood vessels can result in a massive internal bleeding. No blood is externally visible, which makes it very difficult to notice the (internal) bleeding. The amount of blood loss makes it a life-threatening condition. Quick action is needed to prevent death. Blood loss accounts for 30% to 40% of trauma related mortality, making it the leading cause of death in traumatology. The ABC (airway, breathing, and circulation), is the primary survey of trauma evaluation and is the focus of early treatment for blunt splenic trauma, as it is for other trauma patients. At this point, the patient is placed into one of two categories: stable or unstable, based on vital signs (blood pressure and heart rate). In the past when the spleen was injured the treatment was to remove it. Nowadays the treatment for splenic injuries has evolved more to a preserving approach, maintaining its function. The spleen helps the body to fight off infection and filter old blood cells from the bloodstream. People should be aware of the impact of spleen removal on the public health. Preserving the spleen if possible is of great importance, however sometimes sacrificing the spleen is the only lifesaving option. Life without a spleen is not without consequences. After spleen removal, people need lifelong protection with vaccinations. Student: Toon Coenen Promotor: Prof Dr JB WATELET Copromotor: Dr JC de SCHOUTHEETE