Indications Surgery in India

The spleen, similar in structure to a large lymph node, has historically held rather a mythical role but current knowledge of its purpose includes the destruction of old red blood cells and platelets and the detection and fight against certain bacteria. The spleen is enlarged in a variety of conditions such as malaria, glandular fever and most commonly in “cancers” of the lymphatics such as lymphomas or the leukaemia.

Operation Surgery in India

You will have a general anaesthetic, and will be asleep for the whole operation. A cut is made in the skin between your breast bone and your tummy button. The spleen is taken out. The cut in the skin is then closed up. You will need some treatment for a year or more to ward off infections. Plan to go home 7 days after the operation. That is, unless there is a need for you to go back to a medical ward for extra treatment from the haematology specialist. You will be told about this at the time. You will need to take antibiotics and have vaccinations for a year after the operation.

Side effects

Because splenectomy causes an increased risk of overwhelming sepsis due to encapsulated organisms (such as S. pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae) the patient should be immunized, if possible, prior to removal of the spleen; see asplenia for advice.[2][3] Failure to do so later puts the patient at risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI), a potentially rapidly fatal septicaemia. These bacteria often cause a sore throat under normal circumstances but after splenectomy, when infecting bacteria cannot be adequately opsonized, the infection becomes more severe.

Possible Complications Surgery in India

Complications are unusual but are rapidly recognised and dealt with by the nursing and surgical staff. Chest infections may arise, particularly in smokers. Co-operation with the physiotherapists to clear the air passages is important in preventing the condition. Do not smoke. Wound infection is a rare problem and settles down with antibiotics in a week or two. Aches and twinges may be felt in the wound for up to 6 months. Occasionally there are numb patches in the skin around the wound which get better after 2 to 3 months. In the longer term there is a risk of you getting infections readily. We will arrange for you to take antibiotics for a year or longer just in case. You may need antibiotics and booster injections to prevent this. The haematologist or your GP will advise you.