Splenectomy Surgery Steps: What to Expect

Have you been advised to undergo a splenectomy procedure? The thought of any surgical procedure can be daunting, but understanding what to expect during a splenectomy can help alleviate some of the anxiety.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of a splenectomy, from pre-operative preparation to post-operative care.

Preparing for a Splenectomy

Before your splenectomy procedure, your healthcare team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare.

You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, avoid eating or drinking for a specific period before the surgery, and undergo pre-operative tests to ensure you are in optimal health for the procedure.

• Your healthcare provider may ask you to stop taking blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the surgery.
• You may need to fast for a certain number of hours before the procedure to prevent complications during anesthesia.
• Pre-operative tests, such as blood tests and imaging scans, will help your healthcare team assess your overall health and identify any potential risks.

The Splenectomy Procedure

A splenectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the spleen from the body. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.

There are two main methods for performing a splenectomy: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery.

• Open surgery involves making a large incision in the abdomen to access the spleen for removal.
• Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive approach that involves making several small incisions in the abdomen and using a camera and specialized instruments to remove the spleen.

During the splenectomy procedure, your surgical team will take every precaution to ensure your safety and well-being. The surgeon will carefully remove the spleen while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

Once the spleen is removed, the incision(s) will be closed with sutures or staples, and a dressing will be applied to promote healing.

What Happens After the Splenectomy

After the splenectomy procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be closely monitored as you wake up from anesthesia.

Your healthcare team will check your vital signs, manage any pain or discomfort, and ensure that you are recovering well from the surgery.

• You may experience some pain or discomfort at the incision site(s) after the surgery, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• You will be encouraged to get up and move around gradually to prevent blood clots and promote healing.
• Your healthcare team will provide you with instructions on how to care for your incision site(s) and when to follow up for a post-operative appointment.

Post-Operative Monitoring

Following a splenectomy, you will require close monitoring to ensure that you are recovering properly and to watch for any potential complications.

Your healthcare team will provide you with specific guidelines on what to watch for and when to seek medical attention.

• It is essential to monitor for signs of infection at the incision site(s), such as redness, swelling, or drainage.
• Be aware of symptoms that may indicate a potential complication, such as persistent pain, fever, or difficulty breathing.
• Your healthcare team may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery progress and assess your overall health.

In conclusion, undergoing a splenectomy procedure can be a significant event, but knowing what to expect from the surgery and the recovery process can help you feel more prepared and informed.

Remember to follow your healthcare team's instructions closely, ask any questions you may have, and reach out if you have any concerns during your recovery.

Your health and well-being are their top priorities, and they will be there to support you every step of the way.