– This is a surgical procedure to remove the spleen, which is an organ that helps fight infection and filter blood.
– The spleen is located under the left rib cage near the stomach. It can be removed partially or completely, depending on the reason for the surgery.
Reasons that may lead to a splenectomy are:
1) A ruptured spleen which is often caused by a severe abdominal injury or an enlarged spleen. A ruptured spleen can cause life-threatening internal bleeding and requires emergency surgery.
2) An enlarged spleen, which is also called splenomegaly, can cause pain, discomfort, and a feeling of fullness. An enlarged spleen can also trap and destroy too many blood cells, leading to anemia, low platelets, or low white blood cells.
3) Blood Disorders such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), polycythemia vera, thalassemia, or hereditary spherocytosis.
– These conditions can affect the production or survival of blood cells or hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Removing the spleen can help improve the symptoms of these disorders.
4) Cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, or hairy cell leukemia. These cancers can affect the cells that help fight infection or produce blood cells. Removing the spleen can help treat these cancers or reduce their complications.
5) Infections such as malaria, babesiosis, sepsis, or hepatitis. These infections can damage the spleen or trigger an immune response against it. Removing the spleen can help cure the infection or prevent its recurrence.
6) A cyst or abscess, which is a collection of fluid or pus in the spleen. These can cause pain, fever, or infection. Removing the spleen can help drain the cyst or abscess and prevent its complications.
– The recovery from a splenectomy depends on the type and method of the surgery.
–There are two main methods of splenectomy: laparoscopic and open splenectomy.
Laparoscopic splenectomy:
– It is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small camera and special instruments to remove the spleen through small incisions in the abdomen. This method has less pain, bleeding, scarring, and risk of infection than open surgery. It also has a shorter hospital stay and recovery time.
Open splenectomy:
– It is a traditional surgery that uses a large incision in the abdomen to remove the spleen. This method may be needed if the spleen is very large or damaged, or if there are other complications. It has more pain, bleeding, scarring, and risk of infection than laparoscopic surgery. It also has a longer hospital stay and recovery time.
–After a splenectomy, you will need to follow some instructions to help your recovery and prevent complications.
Recovery tips:
• Take your prescribed painkillers and antibiotics as directed by your doctor.
• Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and contact sports for several weeks.
• Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.
• Keep your incision clean and dry.
• Watch for signs of infection, such as fever, redness, swelling, or pus.
• Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor, such as severe pain, bleeding, vomiting, or difficulty breathing
• Get vaccinated against certain infections that can be more serious without a spleen, such as pneumonia, influenza, meningitis, and Hib.
• Take preventive antibiotics for life or as recommended by your doctor.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that says you have no spleen.
• See your doctor for regular check-ups and blood tests.
– A splenectomy is a major surgery that can have benefits and risks. It can help treat various diseases and conditions that affect the spleen or blood cells. However, it can also increase your risk of serious infections and other complications. This calls for a prior discussion with your doctor about the pros and cons of this surgery before proceeding.
