Spleen Removal
Alternate Names : Splenectomy
Spleen removal, or splenectomy,
involves surgically removing the spleen from the body. The spleen produces red blood cells and white blood cells in the body. It also stores blood. The spleen also filters out bacteria and old red blood cells from the blood. It is located to the upper left side of the abdomen, just in front of the
stomach.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
A spleen removal is usually done on a person with a diseased or damaged spleen. Reasons for a removal include:
non-Hodgkin's and Hodgkin's lymphoma, or cancer of the
lymphatic system
autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the body develops antibodies that attack its own red blood cells
cysts on the spleen
idiopathic thrombocytopenia, a disorder in which a low platelet count results in abnormal bleeding
massive splenomegaly, an enlargement of the spleen
hereditary spherocytosis, a condition in which part of the blood cells
take on a spherical shape causing
jaundice and anemia
leukemia, or cancer of the
blood cells
traumatic injury
blood clots that get into the spleen
How is the procedure performed?
The removal of a spleen is done under general anesthesia. This means that the person is put to sleep with medication. An incision, or cut, is made in the abdomen. The blood vessels supplying blood to the spleen are tied off and cut. The surgeon then turns the spleen and lifts it out of the body. The surgeon also checks the other organs in the abdomen, looking for injury, tumors, or other conditions. The abdomen and its blood supply are rechecked for bleeding. The other organs are put back in place, and the muscles are sutured where necessary. The incision is closed with sutures, staples, or clips.
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