Laparoscopic Splenectomy
Splenectomy
What is splenectomy?
Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen. The spleen functions as a blood purifying organ, removing dead platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells. It also plays an important role in maintaining the body’s immunity to fight infections.
Cases in which the spleen isn’t functioning properly, or is injured, require a splenectomy.
What are the indications for splenectomy?
Removal of the spleen is indicated in cases of:
- High grade trauma to the spleen,
- Haematological malignancies involving the spleen,
- Haematological malignancies involving the spleen,
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura,
- Excessively large spleen due to various medical diseases.
Usually your haematologist can guide you regarding the need for a splenectomy.
How is the surgery performed?
Splenectomy can be performed laparoscopically or robotically, making 4-5 small cuts.
In certain cases, the spleen may be massively enlarged. In such cases, a minimally invasive approach may not be feasible, and a conventional open surgery maybe performed. This involves making a very large cut on the abdomen. Robotic splenectomy allows a higher chance of preservation of the tail of the pancreas thus decreasing the risk of the patient becoming a type II diabetic. Hence it is considered a better alternative to laparoscopic splenectomy.