Splenectomy
Open Surgery Q&A
What does open (conventional splenectomy) involve?
In open or conventional splenectomy, an incision about 6 to 8 inches long is made in the left upper abdomen, parallel to the rib cage, or alternatively, in the upper midline from the breastbone to near the navel. Once the abdomen is opened, the blood supply and attachments to the spleen are divided. The spleen is then removed and carefully inspected for accessory spleens. These are removed when found. The abdominal cavity is then inspected for bleeding and the abdomen is closed with sutures or clips.
How long does an open splenectomy take to perform?
Usually the operation takes from 60 minutes to two hours depending on the size of the spleen and the size of the patient.
How long do I stay in the hospital after an open splenectomy?
Most patients are in the hospital for 4 to 6 days after the operation to recover enough to go home. The primary reason for this is postoperative discomfort. Patients who have less discomfort can often be discharged on the second or third postoperative day.
What is the recuperation period for an open splenectomy?
After discharge, patients can begin to resume as many normal activities after discharge as they can tolerate, without any heavy lifting or driving. Patients should be limited by anything that causes pain, and should not drive or make important decisions while taking narcotics. By two weeks, most patients can drive, and by 4 to 6 weeks, they can return to work and heavy lifting.
Is open splenectomy safe?
Open splenectomy has been performed for more than one hundred years. Since then, the safety of this procedure has increased dramatically. The mortality rate is less than 1 in 1000 if there are no complicating factors, such as unstable or severe heart disease. The overall complications of pneumonia, infection, hernia, bleeding, etc., occur in less than 5% of patients.
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