Splenectomy: Surgical removal of the spleen
Introduction:
Splenectomy, or surgical removal of the spleen, is a procedure that is performed to remove the spleen from the patient's body. This surgery may be an emergency procedure in cases of splenic rupture and bleeding, and may also be used to treat certain blood disorders. However, it should be noted that splenectomy in children may have some consequences on their immune system. In this article we will look at the main aspects of splenectomy, its indications, procedure and potential consequences.
Indications for splenectomy:
Splenectomy may be recommended in the following cases:
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Splenic rupture and bleeding: In cases of severe injury or traumatic injury to the spleen, the spleen may rupture and bleed. In such situations, a splenectomy may be necessary to immediately stop the bleeding and prevent blood loss.
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Blood disorders: Splenectomy may be recommended in the treatment of certain blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia, congenital hemolytic anemia, lymphoma and leukemia. Removing the spleen may help control symptoms and improve the patient's overall condition.
Splenectomy procedure:
A splenectomy can be performed in a variety of ways, including open surgery and a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) procedure. During the operation, the surgeon makes a small incision in the patient's abdomen and removes the spleen. Laparoscopic splenectomy uses small incisions and special instruments to remove the spleen through them. The choice of a specific procedure depends on the patient and the characteristics of his condition.
Consequences of splenectomy in children:
A weakened immune system is one of the main consequences of splenectomy in children. The spleen plays an important role in the immune system, participating in the body's defense against infections. Removing it may affect the body's ability to effectively fight certain types of bacteria, especially pneumococci. Therefore, after a splenectomy, children are often recommended to be vaccinated against pneumococci and take other precautions to reduce the risk of infections.
Conclusion:
Splenectomy is a surgical procedure that may be necessary to urgently stop bleeding from a ruptured spleen, as well as in the treatment of certain blood disorders. It is important to remember that splenectomy in children can weaken their immune system. Removing the spleen can affect the body's ability to fight infections, especially pneumococcal infections. Therefore, it is recommended to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of infection after surgery.
It is important to note that splenectomy is a serious procedure and should be considered carefully on a case-by-case basis. Patients should discuss all possible benefits and risks with their doctor to make an informed decision about whether to undergo surgery.
In general, splenectomy is an effective treatment for certain conditions, such as a ruptured spleen and some blood disorders. However, the potential consequences, especially for children, must be carefully taken into account and appropriate measures must be taken after surgery to minimize the risk of infections and support the body's immune system.
Splenectomy - Splenectomy or splenorrhaphy is a surgical operation during which the spleen is completely removed from the human body. It is necessary to remove this organ in the following situations:
* Hemolytic anemia, that is, caused by a lack of hemoglobin. The patient experiences increased blood clotting, decreased hemoglomin, and fatigue. He also easily bruises his body at the slightest blow. * Incompetent spleen, which is known as pulmonary stenosis. It is characterized by the development of whooping cough and coughing attacks. Children have a hard time with this disease from a very early age. Most patients experience weakness, unreasonable increases in body temperature, red face syndrome, intestinal bleeding and other problems. * Growth of this gland during myocardial infarction. But after this, the patient develops heart failure with periodic breathing problems. The pressure in the left atrium may increase. This is how mitral stenosis manifests itself, causing a progressive increase in left atrial volume. In addition, there is a constant lack of oxygen. In this case, the spleen will need to be removed immediately. This is the only way to eliminate blood flow instability in time and stabilize cardiac function.
Splenectomy is the surgical removal (resection) of the spleen without preserving its main functions. Such an intervention is indicated for acute autoimmune splenomegaly that develops as a result of a tumor, trauma, splenic infarction or an infectious (viral, especially Epstein-Barr virus) process