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WHAT IS A SPLENECTOMY?
A splenectomy is surgery to remove the spleen, a fist-sized organ in the upper left side of the belly, under the ribs. The spleen filters old red blood cells and platelets from the blood and helps the body fight certain infections. Surgery may be needed when the spleen destroys too many blood cells, becomes very enlarged, is injured or has a cyst or tumor. At North Florida Surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, most planned spleen operations are done laparoscopically through a few small incisions.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Spleen surgery at North Florida Surgeons is performed by board-certified surgeons including Dr. Craig Morgenthal, whose practice includes spleen and adrenal operations. We work closely with your hematologist or oncologist.
After laparoscopic spleen removal, most patients go home in one to two days.
Before a planned splenectomy, you receive vaccines to protect against serious infections.
WHY A SPLENECTOMY IS DONE
BLOOD DISORDERS
In immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), the spleen destroys platelets, which can cause bleeding and bruising. Removing it may help when medicines have not worked. Some inherited anemias, such as hereditary spherocytosis, are also treated with splenectomy.
ENLARGED SPLEEN
A very large spleen can cause pain, a feeling of fullness after small meals and low blood counts. Surgery may be recommended when treating the underlying cause is not enough.
INJURY
After a car accident or other blunt trauma, the spleen can tear and bleed. Many injuries heal without surgery, but serious or ongoing bleeding may require emergency splenectomy.
CYSTS, TUMORS AND OTHER CAUSES
Large cysts, tumors, an abscess, or the need to diagnose a lymphoma can also be reasons to remove the spleen. See all our general surgery services.
RISKS TO KNOW
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to the pancreas or stomach, and a lifelong higher risk of certain serious infections, which vaccines and prompt treatment of fevers help prevent.
HOW THE SURGERY IS DONE
LAPAROSCOPIC SPLENECTOMY
The standard approach for a planned operation. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes the spleen through three or four small incisions, using a camera and fine instruments. It usually takes one to three hours.
OPEN SPLENECTOMY
A larger incision may be needed for a very large spleen, after an injury with heavy bleeding, or when scar tissue makes minimally invasive surgery unsafe.
VACCINES BEFORE SURGERY
Before a planned splenectomy you receive vaccines against pneumococcus, meningococcus and Haemophilus influenzae, ideally at least two weeks ahead. After emergency surgery they are given before you go home.
WHAT TO EXPECT
BEFORE SURGERY
You will have blood tests and imaging such as a CT scan or ultrasound, and your vaccines. Patients with low platelets may receive treatment to raise them before surgery. See our checklist for general surgery.
IN THE HOSPITAL
You are encouraged to walk the same day. Your blood counts are checked after surgery. Most patients go home in one to two days after laparoscopic surgery, longer after open or emergency surgery.
LIVING WITHOUT A SPLEEN
Other organs, such as the liver, take over most of the spleen’s work. Because the risk of serious infection stays higher over the long term, keep your vaccines up to date, tell every doctor you have no spleen, and seek care right away for a fever.
RECOVERY
Most people return to normal activities in two to three weeks after laparoscopic surgery and avoid heavy lifting for about four to six weeks. Recovery is longer after open surgery.
OUR SURGEONS
Splenectomy at North Florida Surgeons is performed by board-certified surgeons including Dr. Craig Morgenthal. You can also meet all our surgeons.
SPLENECTOMY FAQS
Can you live a normal life without a spleen?
Yes. Most people live normal, active lives after their spleen is removed. The main change is a higher risk of certain serious infections, so vaccines and prompt care for fevers are important for life.
How long does spleen surgery take?
Laparoscopic spleen removal usually takes one to three hours. A very large spleen or emergency surgery can take longer.
How long is recovery after spleen removal?
Most patients go home in one to two days and return to normal activities in two to three weeks. Heavy lifting usually waits four to six weeks.
What vaccines do I need before spleen removal?
Vaccines against pneumococcus, meningococcus and Haemophilus influenzae type b, plus a yearly flu shot. They are best given at least two weeks before a planned operation, and some need boosters later.
What should I do if I get a fever after spleen removal?
Seek medical care the same day. People without a spleen can become seriously ill from some infections very quickly. Your doctor may also give you antibiotics to keep at home.
Does insurance cover spleen surgery?
Spleen surgery is usually covered when it is medically necessary, but coverage depends on your plan. See the insurance plans we accept or call our office.
How do I request an appointment for spleen surgery in Jacksonville?
Call (904) 398-0033 or use the contact form. Our office is at 836 Prudential Dr., Suite 1001, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Related: general surgery, adrenalectomy.
