Spleen removal
Definition
Spleen removal (splenectomy) is surgery to remove a diseased or damaged spleen. This organ is in the upper part of your belly, on the left side. It helps your body fight germs and infections. It also helps filter your blood.
Alternative Names
Splenectomy; Laparoscopic splenectomy; Spleen removal - laparoscopic
Description
The spleen is removed while you are under general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free). Your surgeon may do either an open splenectomy or a laparoscopic splenectomy.
In an open spleen removal:
- Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in the middle of your belly or on the left side of the belly just below your ribs.
- Your surgeon will find your spleen and remove it.
- If you are also being treated for cancer, lymph nodes in your belly will be examined. They may also be removed.
- After checking carefully for bleeding in your belly, your surgeon will close your incision.
For laparoscopic spleen removal:
- A laparoscope is an instrument with a tiny camera and a light on the end. It allows your surgeon to see the area through just a small incision. Your surgeon will make 3 to 4 small cuts in your belly. The laparoscope will be inserted through one of the cuts. Other medical instruments will be inserted through the other cuts. Gas will be pumped into your belly to expand it. This gives your surgeon more space to work.
- Your surgeon will use the laparoscope and the other instruments to remove your spleen.
- Patients usually recover more quickly from laparoscopic surgery than from open surgery.
- Laparoscopic surgery is not for everyone. Ask your doctor if it may be right for you.
Why the Procedure Is Performed
Some conditions that may require spleen removal are:
Trauma to the spleen
Blood clot (thrombosis) in the blood vessels of the spleen
Abscess or cyst in the spleen
Other tumors or cancers that affect the spleen
Splenic artery aneurysm (rare)
References
Beauchamp RD, Holzman MD, Fabian TC, Weinberg JA. The Spleen. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 56.
Camitta BM. Hyposplenism, splenic trauma, and splenectomy. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 487.
Cadili A, de Gara C. Complications of splenectomy. American Journal of Medicine. May 2008;121(5).
Review Date: 2/23/2009
Reviewed By: George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Spleen removal
Alternative Names
Splenectomy; Laparoscopic splenectomy; Spleen removal - laparoscopic
After the Procedure
You or your child will spend less than a week in the hospital. Your hospital stay may be only 1 or 2 days after a laparoscopic splenectomy. You should heal in 4 to 6 weeks.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome of this surgery varies. It depends on what disease or injuries you have. People who do not have other severe injuries or medical problems usually recover after this surgery.
After your spleen is removed, you will be more likely to get infections. Talk with your doctor about getting needed vaccinations. Children especially may need to take antibiotic drugs to prevent infections. Most adults do not usually need antibiotics long-term.
References
Beauchamp RD, Holzman MD, Fabian TC, Weinberg JA. The Spleen. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 56.
Camitta BM. Hyposplenism, splenic trauma, and splenectomy. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 487.
Cadili A, de Gara C. Complications of splenectomy. American Journal of Medicine. May 2008;121(5).
Review Date: 2/23/2009
Reviewed By: George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Spleen removal
Alternative Names
Splenectomy; Laparoscopic splenectomy; Spleen removal - laparoscopic
Risks
Risks for any surgery are:
The risks or problems that may occur during or soon after this surgery are:
- Injury to nearby organs, such as the pancreas, stomach, and colon
- Increased risk for infection after splenectomy (post-splenectomy sepsis or other infections -- children are at higher risk than adults for infection)
- Collapsed lung
- Blood clot in the portal vein (an important vein that carries blood the liver)
Risks are the same for both open and laparoscopic spleen removal.
References
Beauchamp RD, Holzman MD, Fabian TC, Weinberg JA. The Spleen. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 56.
Camitta BM. Hyposplenism, splenic trauma, and splenectomy. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 487.
Cadili A, de Gara C. Complications of splenectomy. American Journal of Medicine. May 2008;121(5).
Review Date: 2/23/2009
Reviewed By: George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
