LAPAROSCOPIC SPLENECTOMY

Laparoscopic splenectomy entails removing the spleen using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The spleen, located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, is an organ that helps fight infections and filters out old red blood cells. Indications for spleen removal include traumatic injury (such as a motor vehicle accident), disorders of premature destruction of red blood cells, and certain cancers of blood and lymphatic tissues (leukemias and lymphomas). Spleen removal usually does not result in lasting negative effects in the vast majority of patients. Prior to splenectomy (spleen removal), patients usually receive a vaccine (pneumovax) to protect against certain infections. Splenectomy requires a general anesthetic. During laparoscopic splenectomy, the surgeon makes several small incisions ranging in size from a ¼ inch to 2 inches. The incisions are used to insert “ports” which allow mobilization of the spleen from its various attachments to surrounding organs and structures such as the colon and diaphragm. The detached spleen is then placed inside a “bag” that has been inserted into the abdominal cavity. One of the incisions is then enlarged slightly to allow the lip of the bag to be brought out to the surface. The spleen is then removed out of the bag in a piecemeal fashion. Patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy versus open splenectomy usually have shorter hospital stays and faster recovery with less pain. As a result, they can resume their normal activities sooner. Traumatic injuries to the spleen or bleeding complications during the surgery may require open splenectomy.