During a splenectomy, part or all of the spleen is removed. The spleen is an organ of the lymphatic system.

Treatment for an enlarged spleen focuses on the underlying problem. For example, if you have a bacterial infection, treatment will include antibiotics.

Watchful waiting: If you have an enlarged spleen, have no symptoms, and no cause can be found, your doctor may suggest watchful waiting. You will need to see your doctor for re-evaluation in six to twelve months, or sooner if you develop symptoms.

Splenic removal surgery: If an enlarged spleen is causing serious complications or the cause cannot be identified or treated, surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be an option. In chronic or severe cases, surgery may offer the best hope for a cure.

Elective splenectomy requires careful consideration. You can live an active life without a spleen, but you are more likely to develop serious or even life-threatening infections after splenectomy. Sometimes, radiation can shrink the spleen, thus avoiding surgery. Reducing infection after surgery

What are the types of splenectomy surgery?

1. Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) splenectomy: The surgeon makes four small incisions in the abdomen. A tube equipped with a tiny video camera is inserted through one of these incisions. The surgeon views video images of the procedure on a monitor in the operating room while inserting surgical instruments through the other incisions and removing the spleen. The incisions are then closed. Laparoscopic splenectomy is not suitable for everyone. A ruptured spleen usually requires open surgery. In some cases, the surgeon may begin with laparoscopic surgery but then find it necessary to enlarge the incision due to scar tissue from previous surgeries or complications. Laparoscopic splenectomy is considered faster and less painful in terms of recovery time.

2. Traditional (open) splenectomy: Open splenectomy involves making an incision in the middle of the abdomen. The surgeon removes the spleen through this incision and then closes the incision. This surgery is preferred if the patient has scar tissue from other surgeries or if the spleen has ruptured.

Surgeons perform splenectomy under general anesthesia, so you will be unconscious during the procedure. An anesthesiologist will administer an anesthetic drug, either as a gas (which you inhale through a mask) or as a liquid (which you inject into a vein).

The surgical team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels throughout the procedure, with a blood pressure cuff on your arm and cardiac monitor leads attached to your chest. Once you are unconscious, the surgeon will begin the operation, either laparoscopically or through open surgery.

You will be taken to the hospital after the surgery. If you have laparoscopic surgery, you will likely be able to go home the same day or the next. If you have open surgery, you may be able to go home after two to six days.