Surgical Spleen Removal
Surgical Spleen Removal is a procedure in which the spleen is removed. The spleen is an organ that is important to our body’s immune system. It is a vessel that is able to kill bacteria and encapsulated viruses.
Laparoscopic vs open splenectomy
Compared to open splenectomy, laparoscopic splenectomy is a safer and less invasive procedure. It is a common approach for elective spleen removal in patients with normal-sized spleens.
The benefits of laparoscopic splenectomy include short hospital stays, shorter operative duration, and lower post-operative complications. The procedure is also known to have a decreased transfusion requirement and reduced post-operative mortality.
A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate the quality and feasibility of laparoscopic splenectomy. The study reviewed 26 series of articles. It was also conducted to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy to those who underwent open splenectomy.
In addition, the authors evaluated the effect of spleen size on the operative time and post-operative complications. They found that patients with spleens over 2000 gr required longer operative time, which was comparable to patients with spleens under 20 gr.
In contrast, patients with spleens less than 2000 gr had shorter operative time, indicating that smaller spleens may be suitable for laparoscopic splenectomy. This is believed to be due to the difficulty of identifying an accessory spleen during surgery.
The authors suggest that the risk of conversion to open splenectomy is higher in patients with spleens over 2000 g. They also suggest that spleen size is a significant prognostic factor for conversion to open splenectomy. In the first 20 patients of the study, three conversions occurred.
The main limitation of this study is the non-heterogeneity of the studies. The study was conducted at two McMaster University teaching hospitals in Hamilton, Ontario. The inclusion criteria were spleen with no splenic artery embolization, age over 18 years, and no pregnancy.
The operative and perioperative outcomes of LS and OS were compared with those of historical controls. The authors concluded that LS has similar short-term and long-term outcomes and is a safe and effective method for spleen removal.
The spleen plays a key role in the body. It is believed to remove platelets from circulation and help to produce anti-platelet antibodies. It is therefore considered to be a diagnostic tool for hematologic disorders. However, spleen removal can be associated with high morbidity and post-operative complications.
Complications of a splenectomy
Having a spleen removed is major surgery. Although it can be helpful to reduce symptoms of splenic disease, a splenectomy can also have some complications. Before getting a spleen removed, it is important to consult with your doctor.
A spleen is a small organ that is part of your lymphatic system. Its function is to filter blood and help your body fight infection. The spleen contains a large number of macrophages, which are immune cells that destroy bacteria. It also produces immunoglobulins, which are proteins that protect you against infections. It is located in the left upper quadrant of your abdomen under the 9th to 11th ribs.
In addition to the spleen, the lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, tonsils, and lymphatic vessels. These tissues may be damaged by cancer or other diseases. This can cause spleen pain and enlargement. If you have an enlarged spleen, it is recommended to stay away from contact sports and other activities that could put you at risk for sprains or fractures.
During the preoperative period, you may be given a series of tests to determine if you are a candidate for spleen removal. You may also be told to avoid certain types of foods or beverages for a few days prior to the operation.
A splenectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia. This makes the patient unaware of the procedure and helps them stay asleep during the surgery. The surgeon will decide on the appropriate procedure based on your diagnosis, medical history, and personal preferences.
After a splenectomy, you are at an increased risk for infections, and you will likely need regular vaccinations. You will also need to be closely monitored for any complications, including anemia and hematological malignancies.
You may also need to take antibiotics for a longer period of time. These antibiotics are usually well-tolerated. You will also need to be vaccinated against encapsulated organisms. Some vaccines include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and pneumococcal vaccines. You will be advised to get these vaccinations two weeks before surgery.
A splenectomy can be performed by open laparotomy or laparoscopically. The laparoscopic approach uses a telescope to see inside the abdomen, while the open procedure involves an incision in the abdomen.
Treatment for an enlarged spleen
Symptoms of an enlarged spleen are often pain in the upper abdomen and a feeling like you have just eaten a big meal. The spleen plays an important role in the immune system and helps filter and manage blood cells. In addition, it is responsible for cleaning unwanted materials from the system. It is found below the ribcage on the left side of the belly.
An x-ray can show how large your spleen is. An MRI can also be used to determine how much blood is flowing through your spleen. A CT scan can also be done to help identify the cause of spleen enlargement.
An enlarged spleen can be caused by an infection, liver failure, or injury. It is usually an indication that your immune system is not working properly. It is also a sign that your body is trying to rid itself of disease.
If the cause isn’t clear, your doctor may recommend splenectomy. A splenectomy is the total removal of the spleen, which is usually a last resort. If your doctor decides to perform a splenectomy, you will be given a general anesthetic. You may be hospitalized for a few days. You may also need to take antibiotics for a bacterial infection.
Other causes of splenomegaly include chronic infections, inflammation, or abnormalities in the lymphatic system. Infections are the most common cause of splenomegaly. They can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic. Some bacteria can cause pneumonia or meningitis. If you are at risk for any of these, you should have your immune system tested.
Having a healthy diet is essential for maintaining a healthy spleen. It is also important to reduce the stress in your life. Avoid foods that contain a high sugar content, as these can stress the digestive system.
You may want to consider herbal remedies to help keep your spleen healthy. Herbs can help to strengthen the immune system and maintain overall health. You should discuss any supplement regimens with your doctor before starting.
In some cases, splenectomy is the only way to treat splenomegaly. If your spleen is large, you may need open surgery. This requires a large incision. You may be hospitalized for a couple of days, but you will be able to resume normal activities soon.
Wearing a medical alert bracelet to indicate that you don’t have a spleen
Having a medical alert bracelet or necklace can help you in case of an emergency. This type of jewelry is ideal for people with multiple medical conditions. You can list important information about your health on it, like your medication, allergies, and chronic conditions.
You should also keep an emergency supply of antibiotics with you at all times. If you experience signs of an infection, it is important to seek urgent medical attention. This can include fever, muscle aches, and headaches.
You should also make a plan with your healthcare provider about what you will do in case of a medical emergency. You should also inform family members and caregivers about your condition. You can wear an alert bracelet or necklace to let them know you don’t have a spleen.
If you are a child, you may want to avoid contact sports, since swollen spleens are more prone to rupture. If your spleen ruptures, it can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Besides, spleen lacerations heal with rest and limiting physical activity.
For children, it is best to follow the surgeon’s instructions for pain management. You should not participate in physical activity until the surgeon says it is OK. You should also follow your parent’s instructions about taking care of yourself. During this time, you should ask them about pain medicine.
Some other symptoms to be aware of are fever, cough, sinus pain, and low-grade fevers. You should also tell your doctor if you are experiencing headaches or ear pain.
You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. If your spleen is damaged, it will be hard to digest food, so you should be on a regular diet. It is also a good idea to get your vaccinations, as soon as possible.
You should also be warned about the increased risk of infection in patients without spleens. In case of an emergency, you should notify the first responders and other medical professionals of your condition. This can help them provide appropriate treatment.
You should also carry a patient identification card and a Medic Alert bracelet. These devices can alert first responders and other medical personnel about your medical condition.
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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