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Spleen Diseases and Splenectomy

A general surgery topic covering surgical removal of the spleen in cases of enlargement, rupture or disease.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Genel Cerrahi department. Book Appointment →

What is Spleen Diseases and Splenectomy?

The spleen is an organ in the left upper abdomen that performs immune-system and blood-filtration functions. Various diseases can cause splenomegaly, dysfunction or rupture.

The main indications for splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) are: traumatic splenic rupture, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), hereditary spherocytosis, hypersplenism, and splenic involvement in hematological malignancies.

After splenectomy, immunity against encapsulated bacteria (pneumococcus, meningococcus, Haemophilus influenzae) is impaired. Therefore, pre-operative vaccination and long-term antibiotic prophylaxis are mandatory.

Symptoms

Left upper abdominal pain or left shoulder pain (Kehr's sign — rupture)
Abdominal fullness and early satiety (splenomegaly)
Recurrent infections (hyposplenism)
Easy bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia)
Weakness and pallor (hemolytic anemia)
Sudden severe abdominal pain with hypotension (splenic rupture — emergency)

Risk Factors

Abdominal trauma (motor-vehicle crash, fall)
Hematological diseases (ITP, sickle cell anemia, leukemia)
Infectious mononucleosis (EBV — risk of splenic rupture)
Portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis
Infiltrative diseases (sarcoidosis, amyloidosis)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Left upper quadrant pain and hypotension after abdominal trauma (emergency)
  • Evaluation for diagnosed splenomegaly
  • Evaluation of surgical indication for ITP or hemolytic anemia
  • Suspicion of splenic cyst or tumor
  • Splenomegaly with recurrent infections

Treatment Methods

01
Laparoscopic splenectomy: minimally invasive method preferred in elective cases
02
Open splenectomy: in emergencies, very large spleen or when laparoscopy is inadequate
03
Conservative management: in hemodynamically stable traumatic splenic injuries with angioembolization
04
Pre-operative vaccines: pneumococcal, meningococcal and Hib at least 2 weeks beforehand
05
Lifelong post-operative penicillin prophylaxis (mandatory in children, recommended in adults)
06
Partial splenectomy or spleen-preserving surgery: especially in children for immune preservation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Genel Cerrahi department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.