Splenectomy

Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen. The spleen is a small organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, near the stomach. It plays a role in filtering blood, recycling old red blood cells, and supporting the immune system by storing white blood cells and helping to fight infection. While the spleen is important, people can live without it, though they may be more susceptible to infections after a splenectomy.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for a Splenectomy

• Pain in the upper left side of the abdomen
• Fatigue or weakness due to anemia (if related to blood disorders)
• Frequent infections (due to immune system problems)
• Easy bleeding or bruising (caused by issues with platelet regulation)
• Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), which may feel like a lump in the upper abdomen
• Fullness after eating a small amount (due to the spleen pressing on the stomach)

Causes Leading to Splenectomy

• Trauma or injury to the spleen (e.g., car accident, sports injury)
• Blood disorders like:
  Hemolytic anemia (where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made)
  Sickle cell disease
  Thalassemia
  Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Cancers like: Lymphoma, Leukemia
• Infections such as:
  Abscesses or cysts in the spleen
  Severe infection causing damage
• Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) that becomes dysfunctional
• Splenic vein thrombosis, which can cause blood clots in the vein that drains the spleen.

Treatment for Splenectomy

Surgical removal of the spleen: This can be done as a traditional open surgery or a less invasive laparoscopic surgery.

• Open splenectomy: The surgeon makes a large incision in the abdomen to remove the spleen.
• Laparoscopic splenectomy: A minimally invasive procedure using small incisions, a camera, and surgical tools to remove the spleen.