Treatment

Splenectomy

Overview

Splenectomy is a surgical procedure where the spleen is removed from the body. The spleen is an organ located on the left side of the body, beneath the ribs and plays a key role in filtering blood and fighting infections. This surgery may be required for various reasons, including spleen damage, tumors, infections or certain blood disorders.

Why Splenectomy Treatment is Required?

• Injury or Trauma: If the spleen is ruptured due to an injury, it may need to be removed to prevent life-threatening complications.
• Spleen Diseases: Conditions such as spleen cancer, enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), or blood disorders like thrombocytopenia may require spleen removal.
• Infections: Chronic or severe infections affecting the spleen, such as malaria or sepsis, may make splenectomy necessary.
• Blood Disorders: Certain conditions like sickle cell disease or hereditary spherocytosis can affect the spleen, leading to the need for removal.

Key Advantages of Splenectomy Treatment

• Prevents Life-Threatening Complications: Removing a damaged spleen can help prevent excessive bleeding or rupture.
• Relieves Symptoms: Spleen removal can alleviate symptoms of splenomegaly, such as discomfort under the ribs or pain on the left side of the body.
• Improves Quality of Life: Treats conditions like blood disorders or infections, leading to better overall health.
• Reduces Risk of Infection: In cases of spleen cancer, removing the spleen can prevent cancer spread.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Splenectomy Treatment

• Consult Your Doctor: Understand the reasons for the surgery and discuss any risks or alternatives.
• Get Vaccinated: Since the spleen helps fight infections, you may need vaccinations (like pneumonia and meningitis vaccines) before surgery.
• Avoid Certain Foods: After the procedure, avoid raw foods and unpasteurized products to lower infection risks.
• Fasting: You may be asked to fast for 6–8 hours before surgery.
• Blood Tests: Your doctor will likely order tests to assess your overall health and the function of other organs, like the liver.

How Splenectomy Treatment is Performed?

• Anesthesia: You will be put under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep during the surgery.
• Incision: A small incision is made in the abdomen, or in some cases, laparoscopic techniques are used for smaller cuts.
• Removal of Spleen: The spleen is carefully removed through the incision.
• Post-Surgery Care: After the spleen is removed, your doctors will monitor your recovery, ensuring no complications such as infection or bleeding.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

• Before the Procedure:
• Detailed consultations and possibly pre-surgery vaccines.
• Fasting for the recommended time.
• Blood tests to ensure your suitability for surgery.
• During the Procedure:
• General anesthesia is administered.
• Surgeons will remove the spleen through a safe incision.
• The surgery typically takes 1–2 hours.
• After the Procedure:
• Hospital stay for 2–3 days for recovery.
• Regular monitoring for any complications.
• Medications may be prescribed to manage pain and prevent infection.

Risk and Potential Complications

• Infection: The spleen plays a critical role in fighting infections, so after surgery, you may be at a higher risk of infections.
• Bleeding: Although rare, some patients may experience internal bleeding during or after surgery.
• Blood Clots: Post-surgery, there is a small risk of developing blood clots.
• Immune System Issues: The removal of the spleen can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections.
• Pain or Discomfort: Some people experience pain or discomfort on the left side of the body under the ribs following surgery.

Results/Outcomes

• Recovery Time: Most patients recover within a few weeks, although some may take longer.
• Life Expectancy: Many people live healthy lives without a spleen, but they may need to take extra precautions against infections and may require additional vaccinations.
• Improved Health: For those with blood disorders or spleen-related issues, removing the spleen often results in better health and symptom relief.