In what cases is the spleen indicated to be removed?

The article was professionally consulted with resident Doctor Le Thanh Tuan - Gastroenterologist - General Surgery Department - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

The spleen is the site of production of immune white blood cells, which are the building blocks of antibodies, and contains a large number of lymphocytes. Having your spleen removed means your immune system will be weakened.

The spleen is located on the left side above the abdomen, dark red in color. This is where a large number of lymphocytes are stored and produce immune white blood cells (a material that plays a role in creating antibodies.)
The spleen is like a factory specializing in the production of antibodies. Antibodies help the body fight off dangerous diseases.

Here are the cases in which the patient is prescribed by the doctor to remove the spleen:
Spleen enlargement. Blood disorders are rare. The spleen is destroyed by the patient's trauma. The patient has cancer or a large cyst in the spleen. Blood disorders. Infection. Many patients have to have their spleen removed due to serious and incurable blood disorders, for example:
Hemolytic anemia Patient has sickle cell anemia Have hemorrhagic disease thrombocytopenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenia, spleen enlargement, primary polycythemia The removal of the spleen in many patients is due to an enlarged spleen, then a lot of blood cells and platelets will be trapped in the spleen and can destroy healthy red blood cells in the body. sick. This condition is called hypersplenism.
If the spleen is blocked, it will cause obstacles to its own function. Patients with enlarged spleen can cause infection, anemia. Enlarged spleen causes pain due to compression.

There are two methods used to surgically remove the spleen: the laparoscopic method (minimizing the invasive condition) and the traditional open surgery method. During both of these procedures, the patient will be anesthetized.

The surgery is performed in the mid-abdomen or under the left flank. Surgeons may remove the spleen and forcefully cut the large blood vessels to the spleen. Usually, open surgery is performed if the patient already has scarring from other surgeries or the spleen is too large.

The advantage is that the invasiveness is minimized, the patient's recovery process is less painful than open surgery, and the surgery time is also faster. For laparoscopic surgery, doctors will make a very small cut in the abdomen, insert a very small camera inside to record images of the patient's spleen on a monitor. Then, the doctor will quickly remove the patient's spleen with small instruments.
In addition, doctors may also decide to open surgery after viewing the image of the patient's spleen through the camera.

Possible risks of spleen removal surgery include:
Patients with blood loss during surgery Allergic reactions, or difficulty breathing because the patient is allergic to the ingredients of the drug. anesthesia Formation of blood clots Infection Having a heart attack or a stroke Forming of blood clots at the site of a vein that carries blood to the liver Hernia at the incision site Infection in the lung Collapse of the lung Injury to nearby organs spleen, eg intestines, stomach and pancreas Accumulation of fluid below the diaphragm

Depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the disease will have different surgical prospects. In order to fully recover from splenectomy, the patient needs to rest for 4-6 weeks.
Patients only need to be monitored in the hospital for a few days after surgery, the doctors will periodically check in to assess when you can return to normal activities.
Surgery to remove the spleen is indicated only in extremely severe cases. When patients have any suspicious signs of the disease, they should immediately go to reputable medical facilities for accurate and timely examination, diagnosis and treatment. It is best to follow your doctor's instructions to protect your health.