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A Splenectomy is a surgery to remove the spleen, which is located on the upper left side of your belly. The spleen is a fist-sized organ that produces white blood cells that aid in the defence against infections. It even filters the older and damaged blood cells. If your spleen is injured or is unable to carry out its functions properly, then you may require a Splenectomy. However, you don't need a spleen to survive. Your bone marrow and liver are capable of doing the majority of your spleen's duties in its absence. However, the spleen is still a vital organ for fighting infections. Without it, you will have to take additional safety measures to avoid illnesses, such as receiving regular vaccinations.
A Distal Splenorenal Shunt (DSRS) is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure in the portal vein, which transports blood from your liver to your digestive tract. This surgery is used by surgeons to manage serious problems related to liver disease and high blood pressure. A Distal Splenorenal Shunt may eventually be advised by your doctor if your tests show enlarged or bleeding veins in your stomach or oesophagus. It is considered a safe, efficient treatment that can improve your general well-being and restore your blood flow.
Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, is equipped with highly skilled surgeons. Comprehensive surgical care is provided with a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure a high surgical success rate.
Treatment for a blood condition and splenic damage are the two most common causes of Splenectomy. Common conditions that require you to have a Splenectomy include the following:
Ruptured spleen: There could be potentially fatal internal bleeding if your spleen bursts as a result of a serious abdominal injury.
Enlargement of the spleen: To relieve the pain and fullness associated with an enlarged spleen.
Blood-related disorders: Splenectomy is a treatment option for thalassaemia, polycythaemia vera, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Cancer: Splenectomy is a treatment option for Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Infections: A Splenectomy may be necessary if existing treatments are ineffective for a severe infection or the formation of an extensive pustule encircled by inflammation in your spleen.
Tumour or cyst: A Splenectomy may be necessary for noncancerous cysts or tumours inside the spleen if they grow large or are challenging to remove entirely.
Preparation for this procedure may involve the following:
Vaccinations: You are supposed to be up-to-date on all vaccinations to prevent future infections. You may start getting shots 10 to 12 weeks before surgery so that you will be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before surgery.
A physical exam, blood tests, and imaging are suggested before surgery.
You are advised to quit smoking.
Your surgeon will start the operation with either an open (conventional) or minimally invasive (laparoscopy) approach after you're unconscious. The size of the spleen frequently determines the technique employed. Your surgeon is more likely to choose an open Splenectomy if the spleen is larger.
Laparoscopic Splenectomy involves a surgeon making four small incisions in the abdomen, inserting a tube with a video camera through one of the incisions, and then using special surgical tools to remove the spleen. However, this procedure is not suitable for everyone, as ruptured spleens usually require an open Splenectomy. In some cases, a larger incision may be necessary due to scar tissue or other complications.
Open Splenectomy: Your spleen is visible during an open Splenectomy. An incision is made in the centre of your abdomen by reflecting muscle and other tissue. Then the spleen is subsequently removed and the wound is sealed.
You are taken to a recovery room following surgery. You should be able to return home the same day or the day following if you have laparoscopic surgery. You might be able to return home after two to six days if you underwent open surgery.
Consult your physician about the best time to resume your regular activities. It could take two weeks if you undergo laparoscopic surgery. Following open surgery, recovery may take six weeks.
In general, a Splenectomy is a safe procedure. However, Splenectomy carries the usual risk of problems associated with any surgery, such as:
Damage to adjacent organs, such as the colon, pancreas, and stomach
A procedure called a Distal Splenorenal Shunt (DSRS) is performed to reduce portal vein pressure. Your liver receives blood from your digestive system through the portal vein. DSRS is used by surgeons to manage bleeding and other portal hypertension side effects.
When your portal vein narrows or becomes clogged, usually as a result of a liver injury, you develop portal hypertension, which is elevated blood pressure. Blood is forced from your portal vein into the huge new blood vessels (varices) that grow inside your oesophagus or stomach due to high pressure.
Your doctor may recommend a Distal Splenorenal Shunt if your test shows an enlarged or bleeding vein in your stomach or oesophagus. Other complications of portal hypertension that require this procedure include fluid buildup in your abdomen called ascites or swelling (oedema) in your legs and feet.
Usually, DSRS takes four hours or so. You are first put under general anaesthesia. Throughout the process, you are unconscious and experience no pain. Next, the surgical care group:
Take off the splenic vein from your portal vein, which normally carries blood from the spleen to the liver.
The splenic vein is then connected to the left renal vein, which carries blood from the kidney to the heart.
This rerouting of blood flow helps to reduce pressure in the veins of the stomach and oesophagus, which can prevent or control bleeding caused by portal hypertension.
In general, Distal Splenorenal Shunt surgery is a secure and successful process. You are most at risk of bleeding again within the first month following surgery. To help you control your risk and stay safe, our team will collaborate with you and take all the necessary precautions to minimise the risks.
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