A splenectomy is surgery to remove the spleen. The spleen is a small organ that sits under your left rib cage. It plays an important role in your immune system. It filters your blood, removes old blood cells, and helps your body fight off infection.

You can live a healthy life without your spleen. But once it is removed, your body has a harder time fighting certain germs. That means you will need to take a few extra steps to stay safe from infection. These steps can last for the rest of your life.

Baptist Health providers perform splenectomy surgery for both children and adults. In many cases, the procedure can be done with small incisions and robotic assistance. This usually means a faster recovery and less time in the hospital. Your provider will help you decide which approach is right for you.

Why Is a Splenectomy Performed?

A splenectomy may be planned ahead of time. It can also be done as an emergency. The most common reason for an emergency splenectomy is a damaged spleen from a car accident or another injury. A spleen that is bleeding heavily must be removed quickly to save a person's life.

Your provider may recommend a planned splenectomy for the following reasons:

• You have a spleen that has grown too large.
• You develop a blood disorder such as sickle cell.
• You get cancer, including some types of leukemia and lymphoma.
• You have an infection or abscess in the spleen.
• You develop a cyst or tumor in the spleen.
• You get a blood clot in the blood vessels of the spleen.

Your Baptist Health provider will go over your symptoms and test results. They will explain why surgery is the best option for you.

How to Prepare for Splenectomy Surgery

If your splenectomy is planned, you will have time to get ready. Your provider will order blood tests and imaging to check your overall health. You may also need to stop taking certain medicines a few days before surgery.

One of the most important steps is getting your vaccines up to date. The spleen helps protect against harmful bacteria. Once your spleen is removed, you need extra protection. Your provider will usually give you the vaccine shots about two weeks before surgery. If your splenectomy is an emergency, you will get them after you recover.

If you smoke, your provider will ask you to stop. Smoking slows healing and raises your risk of complications. You will also be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.

What Happens During Splenectomy Surgery?

Splenectomy surgery is done while you are fully asleep under general anesthesia. Baptist Health providers use one of two main approaches. The right one for you depends on your condition and your overall health.

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Splenectomy

Most planned splenectomy procedures are done with small incisions. Your provider makes three or four tiny cuts in your belly. A thin tube with a small camera on the end is placed through the opening. Your provider then uses small tools to remove the spleen.

In some cases, your provider may use robotic assistance. With robotic-assisted surgery, your provider controls the tools from a console next to the operating table.

Open Splenectomy

Open surgery uses one larger cut in the middle or left side of the belly. Your provider removes the spleen through that opening. Open splenectomy is often the right choice for an emergency or for a very large spleen. It may also be needed if there is a lot of scar tissue from past surgeries.

Recovery After Splenectomy

After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery area. Most patients stay in the hospital for two to six days. Your care team will watch you closely. They will manage any pain and check your incisions for healing.

Once you go home, full recovery usually takes two to six weeks. People who had robotic or minimally invasive surgery often heal faster than those who had open surgery. You will be asked to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks. Light walking is encouraged. Heavy lifting and hard exercise should wait until your provider gives the go ahead.

Call your Baptist Health provider right away if you notice:

• Fever or chills
• Redness or drainage
• Worsening belly pain
• Trouble breathing
• Heavy bleeding

Long Term Care After Splenectomy

Living without a spleen takes a few important steps. The biggest concern is infection. Without your spleen, even a small illness can become serious quickly. The good news is that there are clear ways to lower this risk.

Your Baptist Health provider may recommend that you:

• Stay current on vaccines, including yearly flu shots.
• Take antibiotics when prescribed, especially before dental work or other procedures.
• Wear a medical ID bracelet that says you do not have a spleen.
• Call your provider right away if you have a fever over 100.4 degrees.
• Avoid travel to areas with malaria or other serious infections.

Children may need to take a daily antibiotic until they are older. Adults usually do not need long term antibiotics, but they may take them in certain situations. Your provider will give you a clear plan to follow.

With the right care, most people return to a full and active life after splenectomy surgery. If you have questions about the procedure or your recovery, your Baptist Health team is here to help.