Splenectomy – Splenectomy

Description splenectomy

Splenectomy – surgical removal of the spleen. The spleen is an organ, which is located in the upper left part of the abdomen, under the ribs and behind the stomach. Spleen It filters the blood, to remove the bacteria, parasites and other organisms, which can cause infection. It also removes old and damaged blood cells.

Indications for removal of the spleen

Splenectomy is used to treat a variety of diseases and disorders:

• Spleen injury;
• Splenic rupture due to tumor, infection, inflammatory disease or medication;
• Splenomegaly (splenomegaly);
• Some blood disorders;
• Myelofibrosis (abnormal formation of fibrous tissue in the bone marrow);
• Damage to the blood vessels of the spleen;
• Leykemiya or lymphoma;
• The disease of the spleen due to immune disorders, such as HIV infection;
• The tumor or abscess of the spleen;
• Liver disease.

Possible complications of splenectomy

If you plan to splenectomy, Doctor tells of possible complications, which may include:

• Infection;
• Bleeding;
• Education Hernia at the incision site;
• Blood clots;
• Damage to other organs.

Factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Obesity;
• Smoking;
• Poor diet;
• Recent or chronic illness;
• Diabetes;
• Old age;
• Heart or lung disease;
• Bleeding or clotting disorders.

How is the removal of the spleen?

Preparation for the procedure

The doctor appointed the following:

• Medical checkup;
• Blood and urine tests;
• Review of the medication;
• X-ray of the abdomen – test, which uses X-rays to take pictures of structures inside the body;
• CT scan – such as X-rays, which uses computer, to take pictures inside the body;
• Ultrasonography – test, that uses sound waves to visualize the inside of the body;
• Electrocardiogram – test, which detects heart activity by measurement of electrical current through the heart muscle;
• Other tests to evaluate the function of the spleen;
• Studies to determine rate of destruction of red blood cells and / or platelets;
• Provided vaccines against some infections (without a spleen body more susceptible to infection).

Tell your doctor about taking any medications. A week before surgery, perhaps, you need to stop taking certain drugs:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin.

Anesthesia

When you remove the spleen is used general anesthesia, which supports a patient in the sleep state during operation.

Procedure splenectomy

The spleen can be removed through an open incision or through Laparoscopic Surgery.

Open surgery to remove the spleen

In the stomach of the spleen will make the cut. The skin and muscle are moved apart. The blood vessels will be cut off from the spleen. This will free the organ. The abdominal cavity may be arranged a special sponge, which will absorb the blood and fluid. The spleen is removed. If you need additional surgery, it is carried out after removing the spleen. Then, the sponge will be removed.

The wound will be cleaned. The muscles and skin will be closed sutures or staples. On the surgical wound bandage.

Laparoscopic removal of the spleen

The abdomen will be made a small incision. Through it is inserted into the abdomen a laparoscope – a thin tube with a light source with a small camera on the end. This allows the doctor to see the internal organs. The abdominal cavity is injected carbon dioxide. This increases the volume of the stomach and allows for operation in more comfortable conditions.

Then, the abdomen will be made two or three small incisions, which are inserted through special tools. Blood vessels, coming from the spleen will be cut and tied. The spleen is removed through one of the incisions. If the spleen has been ruptured, the abdomen is checked for damage to other organs and blood vessels. If necessary, it can be done repeated surgical intervention. The incisions will be sewn.

Immediately after splenectomy

Removal of the spleen is sent to the laboratory for testing.

You will be in the recovery room naprvleny. It may be necessary blood transfusion, if during the operation there is a great loss of blood.

How long will splenectomy?

About 45-60 minutes.

Splenectomy – Will it hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. You may experience pain in the sections for several days after surgery. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe pain medicine, to reduce discomfort.

The average hospital stay after splenectomy

Usually the duration of stay of 2-4 day. The doctor can extend the period of stay, If there are complications.

Care after the removal of the spleen

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions during the postoperative period:

• Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the surgical site to water;
• Change wet dressings clean and dry;
• For minor pain, you can take the light painkillers, non-aspirin;
• Avoid vigorous activity (exercises, Weightlifting, etc.);
• Avoid driving for about six weeks after surgery;
• Take your medicines, prescribed by a doctor;
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Recovery time may vary depending on the degree of injury and the condition of the organism. On average, recovery takes about 4-6 weeks.

Always on reception at the doctor inform, that you have no spleen. When traveling, you need to take special precautions against malaria and other infections.

Contact your doctor after removal of the spleen

After discharge from the hospital need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, strong pain, bleeding, or discharge from the incision;
• Cough, breathlessness, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting;
• Other worrisome symptoms.