Name of the Procedure

Splenectomy (Total Splenectomy, Complete Splenectomy)

Summary

A splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the entire spleen from the body. This organ is located in the upper left part of the abdomen and plays a role in fighting infections and filtering old or damaged blood cells from the bloodstream.

Purpose

The procedure is performed to treat various conditions such as ruptured spleen due to trauma, certain blood disorders, cancers, infection, or other spleen-related conditions. The goal is to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications such as internal bleeding or infection, and improve the patient's overall health.

Indications

• Trauma leading to a ruptured spleen
• Blood disorders (e.g., hereditary spherocytosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura)
• Cancers affecting the spleen (e.g., lymphoma or leukemia)
• Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) due to underlying conditions
• Certain infections that significantly damage the spleen

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 8 hours before surgery
• Adjustments to medications, particularly blood thinners
• Preoperative blood tests and imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered so the patient is unconscious during the surgery.
2. Incision: A surgeon makes an incision either in the abdomen (open surgery) or several small incisions (laparoscopic splenectomy).
3. Removal: The spleen is carefully detached from surrounding tissues and blood vessels and then removed from the body.
4. Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures or staples, and a bandage is applied.

Tools and Equipment Used: Surgical instruments, laparoscope (for minimally invasive approach), general anesthesia.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 1 to 3 hours.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room or a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon
• Surgical assistant
• Anesthesiologist
• Operating room nurse

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Injury to surrounding organs (stomach, pancreas)
• Blood clots
• Post-splenectomy infection risk

Benefits

• Relief from symptoms caused by underlying conditions
• Prevention of life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding
• Improved quality of life

Recovery

• Hospital stay of 2 to 6 days
• Pain management with prescribed medications
• Gradual resumption of normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks
• Importance of vaccinations post-splenectomy to prevent infections

Alternatives

• Medical management for less severe conditions
• Partial splenectomy in specific cases
• Observation and monitoring for asymptomatic conditions

Patient Experience

Patients will be under general anesthesia during the procedure, experiencing no pain. Postoperatively, patients may have some discomfort at the incision site, which is managed with pain medications. Close follow-up includes regular medical exams and possibly preventive antibiotics or vaccinations to reduce infection risks.