Elective Splenectomy
This webpage will give you information about an elective
splenectomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is the spleen?
The spleen’s main functions are to filter old and damaged red
blood cells from your blood, and to produce lymphocytes (special
white blood cells) that fight infections.
The main reasons for having an elective (non-emergency)
splenectomy are associated with problems with your blood.
A splenectomy may also be recommended because of problems that
can cause your spleen to get bigger.
What are the benefits of surgery?
A splenectomy can help to control your symptoms and, if your
spleen has got bigger, will remove the life-threatening risk of
your spleen rupturing.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
If you have a problem with your blood, it is possible to have
drug treatment to cure or manage the problem.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
usually takes between one and two hours.
Your surgeon will remove the spleen either by using the
laparoscopic (‘keyhole’) technique or by an open cut in the upper
abdomen or under the right ribcage.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
- Developing a hernia in the scar
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
Laparoscopic complications
- Damage to internal organs
- Developing a hernia near one of the cuts
- Surgical emphysema
Splenectomy complications
- Rise in platelet count
- Damage to your stomach or bowel
- Damage to your pancreas
- Post-splenectomy sepsis
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home within a day or two after
laparoscopic surgery, and between five and seven days after open
surgery.
You should be able to return to work after three to four weeks
but this may vary depending on the extent of surgery and your type
of work.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Without a spleen you are more likely to get life-threatening
infections. You will need to take antibiotics and be immunised
regularly for a number of years.
Summary
An elective splenectomy is usually recommended for certain
problems with your blood and to remove the life-threatening risk of
your spleen rupturing.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Ian Beckingham DM FRCS and Mr Irfan Ahmed FCPS
FRCS
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is
produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health
Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the information belong
exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial
use.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.