Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy)

Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy): Introduction

Splenectomy is the surgical removal of a diseased or damaged spleen. A splenectomy can also be performed as a treatment for some blood disorders and some cancers. A complete splenectomy removes the entire spleen, while a partial splenectomy removes only a part of the spleen. A splenectomy can be performed in conjunction with another partial organ removal, such as the pancreas. The spleen is in the uppermost area of the left side of the abdomen, just under the diaphragm. In healthy people, the spleen plays a role in immunity against bacterial infections and a reservoir for blood. A splenectomy can be performed either open or laparoscopic....more »

Medical Costs Report

Surgery Costs Report for Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy)

Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy): Related Terms

Other medical terms related to medical conditions and procedures for Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy) include:

• Thalassemia

Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy): Overview

What is Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy)? The spleen is an organ that helps the body fight infections. Spleen removal surgery may be required if the spleen is diseased or damaged. Spleen removal can be performed through a laparoscopic procedure or through an open procedure. Most patients undergo laparoscopic spleen removal surgery....more »

Profile: Patient Candidates for Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy)

Who are candidates for Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy)? Spleen removal may be an elective surgery, one that is planned, or it may be required in an emergency situation. Some conditions which may require spleen removal include:

Emergency Spleen Removal:

• Trauma to the spleen with uncontrolled bleeding
• Spontaneous rupture (extremely rare)
• Emergency splenectomy is sometimes necessary in patients with relatively minor injuries, but who have been on a blood thinning drug called Coumadin (warfarin) which causes excessive bleeding from the spleen

Elective Spleen Removal:

• Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) - a condition in which the blood doesn't clot properly.
• Congenital or acquired hemolytic anemia - a rare type of anemia that causes red blood cells to destruct.
• Thrombosis of the splenic blood vessels - a condition in which the blood vessels in the spleen clot.
• Hypersplenism - a condition in which the spleen is enlarged and overactive.
• Lymphoma or leukemia with a markedly enlarged spleen.

Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy): Treatment Options

What are alternatives to Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy)? Though there is no alternative to this procedure, it may be possible to manage certain conditions that may lead to spleen removal. Some conditions can be managed with medications....more »

Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy): Preparing for Surgery

How do you prepare for Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy)? Prior to any surgery, your doctor will give you a complete medical examination and evaluate your overall health and your health history. You may be required to get additional tests such as X-rays and lab tests. Your doctor will also review with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation and will ask you to sign a consent form. It is important that you ask questions and be sure you understand the reason for the surgery as well as the risks.

It is important that you inform your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, what medications you are taking, and if you have bleeding problems. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant.

Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

Depending on the circumstances of your surgery, you may be instructed to do the following:

• Completely empty your colon and cleanse your intestines prior to surgery. You may be requested to drink clear liquids only for one or several days prior to surgery.
• Stop eating or drinking after midnight the night before the operation except medications that your doctor has told you are permissible to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery.
• Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Find someone to drive you home after the surgery. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.
• Stop smoking at least six to eight weeks prior to surgery as smoking delays wound healing. Smokers are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery.

Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy): Recovery After Surgery

What is the Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy) recovery process? The outcome varies with the underlying disease or the extent of other injuries. Complete recovery from the surgery itself should be anticipated, in the absence of other severe injuries or medical problems.

If you are undergoing splenectomy, you should be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. Consult your physician regarding an appropriate vaccination regimen. In addition, some physicians recommend vaccinations against other types of bacteria, and especially in the case of children, long-term treatment with antibiotic drugs to prevent post-splenectomy blood infection. Long-term antibiotic use is usually not necessary in adults.

After your splenectomy, it is important to see a doctor for minor illnesses, such as sinus infections or sore throats, as the health care provider may wish to prescribe antibiotics. Recovery from the operation should be rapid. Hospitalization is usually less than a week (one to two days for laparoscopic splenectomy), and complete healing should occur within four to six weeks....more »

Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy): Costs of Surgery

What is the cost of Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy)? A variety of factors may influence the cost of the surgery. They include:

• Insurance coverage
• Pre-existing health
• Insurance co-pay
• Location of the facility

These factors vary depending on you and your situation.

The cost of each procedure can vary dramatically based upon age, location, gender, and insurance coverage. HealthGrades provides detailed cost estimates which include the costs of the procedure, drugs, hospital stay, and more. Each cost estimate is easy to understand and provides medical terms you need to know.

The detailed cost estimate for Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy), includes costs for:

• Complete or partial surgical removal of the spleen
• Complete surgical removal of the spleen in conjunction with another procedure
• Open surgical repair of spleen with/without a partial spleenectomy
• Laparoscopic removal of the spleen
• Partial surgical removal of the pancreas without a spleenectomy and with possible creation of opening between the pancreas and the jejunum
• and Spleenectomy and biopsies of the liver with removal of nodes and possible bone marrow biopsies for Hodgkins or Lymphoma.

Surgery Cost Report for Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy)

Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy): Find a Surgeon or Specialist

Where can I find a Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy) doctor or surgeon? Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy) is typically performed by doctors specializing in General Surgery. Nationally, there are 27988 practicing General Surgeons. HealthGrades offers detailed physician reports to help you find a qualified Spleen Removal Surgery (Splenectomy) doctor or surgeon in your area, which includes disciplinary actions, patient feedback, background information, and more. Start your search now!

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