Splenectomy in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is a splenectomy?

It is surgery to remove the spleen, an organ in the upper left abdomen that filters blood and helps fight some infections. It can be done laparoscopically or as open surgery.

When is it needed?

After abdominal trauma with a ruptured, bleeding spleen, in some blood disorders such as immune thrombocytopenia that does not respond to medication, hereditary spherocytosis or certain anemias, when the spleen is very enlarged and causes symptoms, and for some tumors or cysts.

Can you live without a spleen?

Yes, but the risk of some serious infections rises, especially from pneumococcus, meningococcus and Haemophilus. That is why specific vaccines are given before planned surgery, or afterward if it was an emergency, along with a yearly flu shot.

What ongoing care is needed?

Always tell doctors you have no spleen, seek care immediately for fever, keep vaccines up to date and, depending on the case, keep an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor on hand. Before traveling to malaria areas, consult your doctor.

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