Splenectomy
What is Splenectomy?
A splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the spleen, an organ located in the upper left abdomen that plays a crucial role in the immune system and in filtering blood. The spleen helps fight infection and filters out old or damaged blood cells. Splenectomy can be performed as an open surgery or a laparoscopic surgery, which is minimally invasive.
How to diagnose Splenectomy? When to consult a doctor?
A splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, an organ that helps filter blood, fight infections, and manage blood cells. The need for a splenectomy is usually diagnosed based on a combination of physical symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic tests.
You should consult a doctor if:
- Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly): If you feel fullness or discomfort in the upper left side of the abdomen (just below the rib cage), particularly if accompanied by pain, this may indicate an enlarged spleen. Splenomegaly can result from infections, blood disorders, or liver disease.
- Frequent Infections: If you have a weakened immune system and are getting frequent or severe infections, it could be related to spleen dysfunction, since the spleen plays a role in fighting infections.
- Low Blood Counts: If a blood test shows low platelets (thrombocytopenia) or anemia (low red blood cell count), it may indicate that the spleen is destroying too many blood cells, potentially requiring treatment or surgery.
- Blood Disorders: If you have been diagnosed with conditions like idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), hereditary spherocytosis, or thalassemia, which affect how the spleen functions, surgery may be considered if other treatments are ineffective.
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Causes
- Trauma or Injury
- Splenic Rupture
- Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen)
- Blood Disorders
- Infections
Symptoms
- Abdominal Pain
- Feeling Full without Eating
- Fatigue or Weakness
- Frequent Infections
- Bruising or Bleeding
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery typically takes around 2-6 weeks, depending on whether the surgery was laparoscopic or open.
Risks include infection, bleeding, injury to surrounding organs, and increased long-term risk of certain infections due to the loss of the spleen's immune functions.
Since the spleen helps fight infections, individuals are more susceptible to certain infections post-splenectomy and may need vaccinations and preventive antibiotics.
