Spleen removal

Spleen removal

Definition

Spleen removal is surgery is required to remove a diseased or damaged spleen, the body organ that helps the body fight infections.

Alternative Names

Splenectomy

Indications

Some conditions which may require spleen removal include:

EMERGENCY:

• Trauma to the spleen with uncontrolled bleeding
• Spontaneous rupture (extremely rare)

ELECTIVE:

• Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP)
• Congenital or acquired hemolytic anemia
• Thrombosis (clot) of the splenic blood vessels
• Portal hypertension and hypersplenism
• Hereditary spherocytosis
• Lymphoma, leukemia with a markedly enlarged spleen

Convalescence

Recovery from the operation should be rapid. Hospitalization is usually less than a week (1-2 days for laparoscopic splenectomy), and complete healing should occur within 4 to 6 weeks.

Expectations after surgery

The outcome varies with the underlying disease or the extent of other injuries. Complete recovery from the surgery itself should be anticipated, in the absence of other severe injuries or medical problems.

All patients undergoing splenectomy should be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. Consult your physician regarding an appropriate vaccination regimen. In addition, some physicians recommend vaccinations against other types of bacteria, and, especially in the case of children, long-term treatment with antibiotic drugs to prevent post-splenectomy sepsis. Long-term antibiotic use is usually not necessary in adults.

However, any patients who have had a splenectomy should seek medical attention for even seemingly minor illnesses, such as sinus infections or sore throats, as the health care provider may wish to prescribe antibiotics.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

• Reactions to medications
• Breathing problems, pneumonia
• Heart problems
• Blood clots in the legs

Risks for any surgery include the following:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Additional risks include the following:

• Injury to surrounding organs
  • Pancreas
  • Stomach (rare)
  • Colon (rare)
• Increased risk for infection after splenectomy (post-splenectomy sepsis or other infections; children are at higher risk than adults for this complication)

Red blood cells, target cells

Spleen removal - series

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