Normal anatomy: The spleen is an organ involved in the production and maintenance of red blood cells, the production of certain circulating white blood cells, as a part of the lymph system, and as a part of the immune system.

Indications:

Guidelines for splenectomy include:

• congenital or acquired hemolytic anemia
• idiopathic thrombocytopenia
• trauma to the spleen
• lymphoma, leukemia, Hodgkin's disease
• portal hypertension and hypersplenism
• hereditary spherocytosis

Incision: General anesthesia is used. The patient is in deep sleep and pain free. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen.

Procedure: The surgeon locates and isolates the spleen, rotates it and brings it out of the wound. Its attachments 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 provide continued splenic function.

Aftercare: The outcome varies with the underlying disease and extent of other injuries. Complete recovery from surgery should be anticipated. Recovery from the operation should be rapid. Hospitalization should be less than a week, and complete healing should occur within 3 to 4 weeks.