Splenectomy

A splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen. It is usually for medical reasons, such as treating cancers or infections, or for trauma, such as a car accident or injury. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, and it helps the body filter out old and damaged blood cells and filter bacteria from the bloodstream. Following a splenectomy, a person is at a higher risk of infection, so they will need to take special precautions to protect themselves. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a splenectomy to reduce the risk of blood disorders, such as thrombocytopenia or cirrhosis. It can also be used to treat conditions such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, which occurs when the spleen starts to attack healthy red blood cells. Splenectomies are considered safe procedures, and they can help improve a patient’s quality of life.