Laparoscopic Splenectomy

A laparoscopic splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the spleen using minimally invasive techniques.

Your doctor may recommend a splenectomy if your spleen is enlarged, damaged, or diseased. Some common reasons for a splenectomy include:

• Blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Cancers of the blood, such as lymphoma and leukemia
• Trauma to the spleen
• An enlarged spleen causing discomfort or pain
• Certain infections, such as mononucleosis and malaria

Laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe and effective procedure to remove the spleen using minimally invasive techniques. It offers several benefits over traditional open surgery, including less pain and scarring, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery time. As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications, and it is important to discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare provider. Additionally, due to the removal of the spleen, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider about vaccinations and prophylactic antibiotics to help prevent infections.

During a laparoscopic splenectomy, you will be under general anaesthesia. Several small incisions in your abdomen and using specialised instruments, including a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera on the end), your spleen is removed. Lymph nodes in the area may also need to be removed.

Laparoscopic splenectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and specialised tools to remove the spleen. Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic splenectomy can offer several benefits, including:

• Less pain and scarring
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery time
• Reduced risk of infection and bleeding

As with any surgery, laparoscopic splenectomy carries some risks and potential complications, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Damage to other organs, such as the stomach or bowel
• Need for open surgery due to complications
• Long-term risks, such as an increased risk of certain infections

Before the surgery, your healthcare provider will discuss these risks and potential complications with you in more detail.

Due to the removal of the spleen, you may be at increased risk for certain infections. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against certain infections, such as pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Additionally, your healthcare provider may recommend prophylactic antibiotics to help prevent infections.