Splenomegaly Treatment
Introduction
Splenomegaly refers to an enlarged spleen – a small, fist-sized organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen weighing around 70-200 gm in adults. It plays an important role in storage and filtering of blood and its products, fights infection.
Splenectomy is surgical removal of spleen in certain conditions like as follows-
- Trauma: Severe injuries leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Blood Disorders: Conditions like idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), hereditary spherocytosis, and sickle cell disease may necessitate spleen removal to control complications.
- Cancer: Certain types of leukemia and lymphoma may require splenectomy as part of treatment to improve survival.
- Infections or Abscesses: Persistent infections in the spleen after adequate antibiotic course may warrant surgical intervention to control the severity of the condition.
Splenectomy can be done in either open approach or laparoscopic method (minimally invasive). Type of approach is decided based on condition of the patient and presentation of the disease.
Recovery
- Recovery from splenectomy typically takes 4–6 weeks. Laparoscopic procedures often result in faster recovery compared to conventional open surgery.
- Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities during recovery and follow hygiene protocols to prevent infection.
Life After Splenectomy
Living without a spleen is possible, but it comes with a higher risk of infections, especially from certain bacteria. To stay protected, patients may need:
- Vaccination against encapsulated organisms (organisms causing pneumonia, meningitis, and influenza) is compulsory in these patients. Timing of vaccination depends on the cause for splenectomy. For elective cases (pre-planned surgeries) vaccination is done 2 weeks before surgery whereas, in emergency conditions (trauma cases) it is done after surgery.
- Prolonged antibiotic precautions in some high-risk individuals
- Regular checkups and prompt treatment of infections and booster doses of vaccination.
Conclusion
Consult “Vizag Surgicare” for better guidance and treatment as per your condition.
contact us
Get In Touch With Us
phone number
Mobile No 1 : +91-77029 50513
Mobile No 2 : +91-9848638615
Mobile No 3 : +91-9849239213
our address
First Floor, Mohan Medical Shop, Seethammadhara (NE), Visakhapatnam-530013
email address
info@vizagsurgicare.com