Small Knife in Surgery — 18yo Man | Trauma Surgery | SMLE Q#2304

SMLE Question #2304

Surgery Trauma Surgery

Objective: OBJ-TRM-AIRWAY-01

Last updated: January 2026
An 18-year-old man presents to the emergency department after being stabbed with a small knife in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen near the umbilicus. The wound is small, clean, and bleeding has stopped. He is fully alert and in no distress. Vital signs: - T: 36.8 °C - BP: 118/72 mmHg - HR: 82/min - RR: 14/min - SpO2: 99% on room air Laboratory tests (including hemoglobin and coagulation profile) are within normal limits. Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen shows a small, focal splenic laceration with minimal perisplenic fluid and no active contrast extravasation or other intra-abdominal injury. What is the best definitive management for this patient?

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