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Last updated: 11/24/2009

Resources

BOOKS

Hiatt, J. R., Phillips, E. H., and L. Morgenstern, eds. SurgicalDiseases of the Spleen. New York: Springer Verlag, 1997.

Wilkins, B. S., and D. H. Wright. Illustrated Pathology of theSpleen....

Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2000.

PERIODICALS

Al-Salem A. H., and Z. Nasserulla. "Splenectomy for Children with Thalassemia."Internal Surgery 87 (October-December 2002): 269-273.

Duperier, T., J. Felsherm, and F. Brody. "Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Evans Syndrome."Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy & Percutaneous Techniques 13 (February 2003): 45-47.

Schwartz, J., M. D. Leber, S. Gillis, et al. "Long-Term Follow-Up After Splenectomy Performed for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)."American Journal of Hematology 72 (February 2003): 94-98.

Svarch, E., I. Nordet, J. Valdes, et al. "Partial Splenectomy in Children with Sickle Cell Disease."Haematologica 88 (February 2003): 281-287.

ORGANIZATIONS

American College of Gastroenterology. 4900 B South 31st St., Arlington, VA 22206. (703) 820-7400.

American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). 4930 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. (301) 654-2055.

National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Public Inquiries Office, Suite 3036A, 6116 Executive Boulevard, MSC8322 Bethesda, MD 20892-8322. (800) 422-6237.

OTHER

The Body Homepage. Spleen Cancer. .

Yoursurgery.com. Splenectomy. .

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Video
Images

The spleen is one of the most misunderstood organs in the body. This narrated animation describes both the anatomy and function (physiology) of the spleen.

The lymphatic system keeps our tissues from retaining fluid and houses many of the key components of the immune system, like lymph nodes. Learn how this underappreciated body system is organized and how it functions.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Animation

A large portion of the stomach is removed during a sleeve gastrectomy. This video provides a 3D animation of how the procedure is performed and what the gastrointestinal system looks like afterwards.

Bone anatomy

This video shows a close up view of bone anatomy and how blood is delivered to bone.

Laparoscopic Colon Resection

This video shows how the large intestine or colon is removed through laparoscopic surgery. The perspective is that of the surgeon performing the colectomy or colon resection. A note to viewers, this video shows surgery on an actual patient. The anatomical landmarks are not labeled, but described by the surgeon narrator.

There are two options for accessing the spleen for a splenectomy (A, 1 and 2). After the abdomen is entered, the spleen is located, and the artery leading to it is tied off (B). The ligament connecting the stomach and spleen is cut (C), as is the ligament connecting the spleen and colon (D). This frees the spleen for removal (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

Related Procedures

Laparoscopy Exenteration

Laparotomy, Exploratory Adrenalectomy

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Other Information

A splenectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of the spleen by operative means.

Vaccination for pneumococcus, H. influenza and meningococcus should be given pre-operatively if possible. In general, spleens are removed by laparoscopy (minimal access surgery) when the spleen is not too large and when the procedure is elective. It is performed by open surgery for trauma or large spleens. Both methods are major surgeries, and are performed under general anesthesia. The spleen is located and disconnected from its arteries. The ligaments holding the spleen in place are dissected and the spleen is removed. When indicated a drain is left in place and the incision(s) is closed. If necessary, tissue samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splenectomy

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