What is laparoscopic
splenectomy?
Spleen is an organ which is located on the upper left side
of abdomen and under the rib cage. It is among the most important organ in the
immunity system as it is organ which is helping in fighting various infections
and destroys the damaged blood cells and unwanted cold symptoms from the body.
This organ is helpful in making red blood cells in the body and whenever this
organ gets affected and is not able to perform all the necessary function then
a surgery called laparoscopic splenectomy surgery is performed to treat this
condition. This surgery is generally performed to remove the entire spleen.
Why does one need
spleen removal?
Splenectomy surgery is performed to treat a wide array of
medical conditions and disorders. The reason which is why one need to undergo
spleen removal surgery, here are some of the causes which make an individual a
perfect candidate to have spleen removal surgery:
- Enlarged Spleen: In this condition the surgeon would recommend entire spleen to be removed surgically
- Ruptured spleen: This condition is caused because of the severe injury in the abdominal region or due to enlargement of the spleen. This condition causes internal bleeding and can be life-threatening.
- Cancer: If an individual is experiencing any of this kind of cancer which includes hairy cell leukemia, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, then he is suggested to undergone splenectomy surgery
- Blood Disorder: Individuals experiencing polycythemia Vera, thalassemia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and/or sickle cell anemia types of blood disorder can undergo splenectomy surgery.
- Infection: Individuals having severe infection or has pus in spleen of large amount which is not effectively and completely removed using other treatment methods should undergo splenectomy surgery.
- Tumor or cyst: Individuals with a case of non-cancerous tumors or cyst in the spleen can undergo splenectomy surgery if not completely removed with the help of other treatment methods.
Which specialist
should be consulted in case of signs and symptoms?
Whenever you are experiencing the symptoms of spleen
disorder, in that case it is best to consult with the family physician at
first. Then after regular check up and necessary tests, you might need to
consult expert gastroenterologist surgeon for further assistance and treatment
options.
What are the
screening tests and investigations before the surgery?
Some of the tests performed by the expert surgeon to
diagnose the actual cause and before start with any treatment option are:
- Blood tests
- A complete physical exam
- Blood transfusions (to have sufficient blood cells after spleen removal surgery)
- Pneumococcal vaccine and other vaccines (as prevention from infection after spleen removal surgery)
What is the procedure
for spleen removal?
Laparoscopic Splenectomy surgery is a minimally invasive
type of surgery in which 3-4 small cuts are made in the abdomen region. From
this cuts a tube with a video camera is inserted and some other surgical
instruments are also inserted from other remaining cuts. Then the
carbon-dioxide is pumped up to expand the abdomen which creates more space for
the surgery. After this with the help of small tool the spleen is removed. And
once the surgery is done all tools will get removed and the cuts will close
with stitches.
What are the known
complications of the surgery?
Every surgery has some associated risks and complications.
Here are some of the complications of splenectomy surgery, which includes
- A collection of pus under the diaphragm
- Collapsed lung
- Damage to the organs near the spleen
- Formation of a blood clot in the vein
- Hernia at the site of the incision
- Internal infection
What precautions or
steps are necessary to stay healthy and happy before and after laparoscopic
splenectomy?
If patient has undergone laparoscopic
splenectomy surgery, there are more chances of getting discharged at the
same day or most probably the next day. Once the spleen removal surgery is
done, other body organs take care of the functions performed by the spleen
inside the body. To make sure, some of the precautions which are need to follow
are:
- Take proper medications to avoid infection
- Regular doctor visit till the recommended time to ensure the proper functioning of the organs
- Check for the symptoms and if you find any contact your surgeon as soon as possible
No comments:
Post a Comment