Video:When Is a Splenectomy Necessary?
If the spleen becomes damaged, it may need to be removed by a procedure called a splenectomy. Learn more about the reasons for splenectomy and its risks.
Transcript:When Is a Splenectomy Necessary?
What Is the Spleen?
The spleen is a relatively fragile organ located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, behind the stomach. It helps produce, store and filter blood, and it also plays a role in the body's immune system.Reasons for Having a Splenectomy
A severe impact to the left side of the abdomen, such as from a sports or automobile injury, can result in damage to the spleen. Diseases such as leukemia or hemolytic anemia can also require splenectomy. Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen due to injury or illness.Splenectomy Surgery
During surgery, the damaged spleen is removed and its attachment to other organs is severed.After the Spleen Is Removed
Although the liver takes over the functions of the spleen after splenectomy, the blood is not filtered as thoroughly as before. Patients are prone to more bacterial infections following splenectomy.Risks of a Splenectomy
There are several potential complications associated with this procedure that should be discussed with a doctor prior to surgery.Copyrighted animations provided by Blausen Medical.
