Who needs their spleen removed?
There are several conditions which may require a splenectomy. Removal of the spleen is sometimes required if the platelet count is abnormally low. There are also various blood disorders that can cause the spleen to become abnormally enlarged or to act irregularly. Some conditions that may require splenectomy include Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura Hemolytic anemia Sickle cell disease Hereditary spherocytosis Thallassemia major Certain types of lymphoma/leukemia Splenic infarct or aneurysm Laparoscopic splenectomy is a technique of removing the spleen through several small incisions instead of the traditionally large, open incision. This technique has multiple advantages including reduced pain after surgery, a shorter hospitalization, less scarring, and a quicker return to normal activities. This technique can be utilized on most patients who require a splenectomy. What happens after splenectomy? Most people who have their spleens removed have no clinical side effects. Many of the f
