Spleen removal

Description:
General anesthesia is used. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen, locates and isolates the spleen, then rotates it and brings it out of the wound . Its attachment to other organs are gently cut. In children, following traumatic injury and splenic disruption, a healthy fragment of the spleen may be reimplanted. Such fragments retain splenic function.

Indications:
Guidelines for splenectomy include:



What to Expect After:
The outcome varies with the underlying disease and extent of other injuries. Complete recovery from surgery should be anticipated.

Convalescence:
Recovery from the operation should be rapid. Hospitalization should be less than a week, and complete healing should occur within 3 to 4 weeks.

Risks:
Risks for any anesthesia are:

Risks for any surgery are:

Additional risks include:

  • increased risk for infection after splenectomy (children are at higher risk for this complication).

Children recovering from the surgery should be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia and need long term treatment with antibiotic drugs to prevent significant, post-splenectomy sepsis .

Cost:
The costs of any surgery varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the country. Patients who are younger, sicker, or need more extensive surgery will require more intensive and expensive treatment.

Surgery charges can be separated into five parts: 1) the surgeon's fee, 2) the anesthesiologist's fee, 3) the hospital charges, which includes nursing care and the operating room, 4) the medications, and 5) additional charges.

1. Surgeon's fee: approximately $1,000
2. Anesthesiologist's fee: averages $350 to $400 per hour
3. Hospital charges: basic rate averages $1,500 to $1,800 per day (more for the intensive care unit (ICU) or private rooms)
4. Medication charges: $200 to $400
5. Additional charges: assisting surgeon, treatment of complications, diagnostic procedures (such as blood or X-ray exams), medical supplies, or equipment use.

Insurance coverage for surgery expenses depends on many factors and should be explored for each individual instance.


These abnormal red blood cells (RBCs) resemble targets. These cells are seen in association with some forms of anemia, and following the removal of the spleen (splenectomy).