Palpation of the spleen

Spleen palpation is an auxiliary examination method used to check whether the abdominal spleen is normal. The spleen cannot be touched under normal circumstances. Once touched, it indicates that the spleen is enlarged to 2-3 times normal. Clinically, the two-hand palpation method is mostly used. The patient lies on his back with his legs flexed slightly. The doctor's left hand goes around the front of the patient's abdomen. The palm is placed at the 9th to 11th ribs of the lower left part of the chest. Place the right palm flat on the umbilicus, and palpate from the umbilical plane. It is approximately perpendicular to the left costal arch. Like palpation of the liver, cooperate with breathing, gradually upward, and touch the tip of the spleen to the left costal margin. When the spleen is slightly enlarged and the supine position is not easy to touch, the patient can be instructed to take the right lateral position, flex both lower limbs, and then palpate with both hands for easy access.