Splenectomy

Spleen Surgery in Kenya

Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen. The spleen is an organ in the upper left part of the abdomen. It lies beneath the ribs and behind the stomach.

The spleen contains special white blood cells that can destroy bacteria. It helps the body fight infections and also removes old red blood cells from the body’s circulation.

What is laparoscopic splenectomy?

Patients who undergo minimally invasive spleen surgery take about four to six weeks to recover from the procedure. Activities such as exercises, walking, and driving are restricted at least for six weeks.

The outcome of the procedure varies with the underlying disease or the extent of other injuries. Rates of complete recovery from the surgery itself are excellent, in the absence of other severe injuries or medical problems.

Why do I need a splenectomy?

Needing spleen surgery treatment may come as a surprise. It is often the result of trauma such as an injury in a car accident. For that reason, there may be a rush to perform the surgery, especially if bleeding is present.
The removal of the spleen is indicated when there is significant damage or disease associated with the organ. The most common reason for splenectomy is due to trauma that results in the rupture of the spleen.
This can occur during contact sports, vehicle accidents, or any other significant blow to the upper abdomen.

Other reasons for removing a spleen may include illnesses that may alternately inflame the spleen or cause it to shrink and stop functioning.
These diseases can vary and may also include blood disorders, autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cysts.
Laparoscopic splenectomy is a newer procedure to remove the spleen. Instead of using a long incision on the abdomen, a few small incisions are made.
Through these incisions, surgical equipment is passed through, and with the help of video monitoring, the surgeon is able to remove the spleen.
Once the spleen has been removed and the surgeon has found no signs of continued bleeding, the instruments are removed and the incisions are closed.
By doing this procedure laparoscopically the time spent in the hospital and the pain following the surgery is greatly reduced. In addition, the risk of getting an infection is reduced and the scars left behind from the surgery are small.

Lifestyle adjustments after splenectomy

Patients that have a splenectomy will be more likely to develop certain infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and others. This can lead to potentially serious complications.
Without the spleen, your body may not fight off bacterial infections as well. Immunizations are given before surgery if possible, and antibiotics are very useful if these infections occur.
Be sure to contact us anytime you experience the signs of infection after having your spleen removed as these infections can spread rapidly and can even cause death in severe cases.