Spleen removal - series

Back

<p><strong>Normal anatomy</strong></p><p>The spleen is an organ involved in the production and maintenance of red blood cells, the production of certain circulating white blood cells, as a part of the lymph system, and as a part of the immune system.</p>

<p><strong>Indications</strong></p><p>Guidelines for splenectomy include:congenital or acquired hemolytic anemia idiopathic thrombocytopenia trauma to the spleen lymphoma, leukemia, Hodgkin's disease portal hypertension and hypersplenism hereditary spherocytosis</p>

<p><strong>Incision</strong></p><p>General anesthesia is used. The patient is in deep sleep and pain free. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen.</p>

<p><strong>Procedure</strong></p><p>The surgeon locates and isolates the spleen, rotates it and brings it out of the wound. Its attachments to other organs are gently cut. In children, following traumatic injury and splenic disruption, a healthy fragment of the spleen may be reimplanted. Such fragments provide continued splenic function.</p>

<p><strong>Aftercare</strong></p><p>The outcome varies with the underlying disease and extent of other injuries. Complete recovery from surgery should be anticipated. Recovery from the operation should be rapid. Hospitalization should be less than a week, and complete healing should occur within 3 to 4 weeks.</p>

E-mail Form

Email Results

Name:

Email address:

Recipients Name:

Recipients address:

Message:

Review Date: 1/29/2013

Reviewed By: John A. Daller, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Chester, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.

Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.