What are the indications for splenectomy?
What are the indications for splenectomy?
Your doctor may recommend splenectomy if you have one of the following: Ruptured spleen. If your spleen ruptures due to a severe abdominal injury or because of an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), the result may be life-threatening, internal bleeding. Enlarged spleen.
How do I prepare my child for a splenectomy?
How do I prepare my child for surgery? Certain vaccinations are required prior to undergoing a splenectomy, to ensure your child has adequate immunity. These may include vaccines against pneumococcal, haemophilus influenza B and meningococcal organisms. Vaccines are generally given at least two weeks prior to surgery.
Why a patient would need a splenectomy after a diagnosis of ITP?
Why remove the spleen? In people with ITP the immune system treats platelets as foreign and destroys them. The spleen is responsible for removing these damaged platelets and therefore removal of the spleen can help to keep more platelets circulating in the body.
What is the proper treatment of a suspected spleen rupture and what is the treatment protocol?
Treatment for a ruptured spleen will depend on the severity of your condition….Surgery for a ruptured spleen can include:
- Repairing the spleen. Your surgeon might be able to use stitches or other techniques to repair the rupture.
- Removing the spleen (splenectomy).
- Removing part of the spleen.
Why would a child need spleen removed?
In children, blood-related diseases are the most common reason for the spleen to be removed. Hemolytic anemia, beta-thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and idiopathic thrombocytic purpura (ITP) are frequent reasons the spleen may need to be removed.
Can a child live without a spleen?
A child can live a long and active life without a spleen. Because the spleen is important in fighting infection, you will need to take some steps to protect your child. You must be careful to make sure he or she is not exposed to infections.
When is splenectomy indicated in ITP?
Most physicians wait for 3-6 months before recommending splenectomy because sometimes ITP goes into spontaneous remission, especially in younger patients. Often, other clinical considerations (eg, coexistence of diabetes or peptic ulcer disease [PUD]) may influence the decision for earlier splenectomy.
