Laparoscopic splenectomy surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed by making small cuts in the abdomen for the removal of spleen. The main reason behind spleen removal is either a disease involving the spleen or if the spleen is ruptured by trauma and bleeding internally.
The spleen facilitates blood filtration and supports the immune system. For these reasons, spleen surgery is only performed when truly necessary. During the surgery, the surgeon views the spleen on a monitor screen using a laparoscope which is a thin tube with a camera.
Laparoscopic splenectomy is a superior choice over conventional open splenectomy as it avoids the complications of heavy blood loss, postoperative pain, and delayed recovery.
If you're looking for a reliable and skilled surgeon for laparoscopic splenectomy, Dr. Atul Peters should be your choice. Dr. Peters has successfully performed large number of laparoscopic splenectomy surgeries with the assistance of his multi-disciplinary and modernized infrastructure. He is known for his extensive experience and dedication and is committed to delivering excellent patient care.
The spleen is a fist-sized organ adjacent to your stomach and behind your left ribs. The spleen has some important functions such as:
• The spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells hence fighting the invading germs in the blood
• Maintain the blood cells level including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
• Filtering the blood and removal of any old or damaged red blood cells
If the spleen does not work properly, it may start to remove healthy blood cells which can therefore lead to anemia, an increased risk of infection, bleeding, or bruising.
There are several reasons why a spleen removal might be needed, and the most common reasons would be:
» Blood-related disorders:
• Autoimmune blood disorder: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Hemolytic anemia: anemia occuring due to break down of red blood cells
• Sickle cell disease or Thalassemia
• Thrombosis (Blood clot)
» Spleen-related disorders:
• Abscess or cyst in the spleen.
• Hypersplenism (overactive spleen)
• Splenomegaly (When the spleen gets enlarged)
• Splenic artery aneurysm (abnormal expansion of artery) and infarction of the spleen
• Trauma to the spleen
» Other causes:
• Hereditary (genetic) conditions like spherocytosis that affect the shape of red blood cells
• Cancer of the lymph system such as Hodgkin’s disease, Leukaemia, or lymphoma
• Liver cirrhosis
• Idiopathic (unknown cause)
Sometimes, Laparoscopic splenectomy surgery cannot be performed in cases of obesity, prior abdominal surgeries that left dense scar tissue, and difficulty seeing the organs clearly. It is important to consult with a qualified surgeon and other physicians to determine if Laparoscopic splenectomy is right for you.
• After reviewing with your surgeon the potential risks and benefits of the spleen removal surgery, you will give your written consent for the surgery.
• Pre-operative medical evaluation, chest x-ray, blood tests, and an EKG depending on your age and medical condition will be performed on you.
• Two weeks before the spleen surgery, a vaccine can be given to reduce the chances of bacterial infection.
• Your surgeon may request you to empty your colon and cleanse your intestines before the surgery.
• You will be asked to not eat or drink anything except medications that your surgeon has prescribed to take with a sip of water on the morning of surgery.
• Any anti-inflammatory medications (arthritis medications), aspirin, Vitamin E, and blood thinners will need to be stopped temporarily prior to surgery after discussion with your surgeon.
• General anesthesia will be given to you, and you will be completely asleep.
• A cannula will be placed into the abdomen and carbon dioxide gas will be inserted into the abdomen so that space is created for the surgeon to work rightly.
• If the spleen is enlarged, an extra opening may be made at the side near the 11th rib to help easily access the spleen.
• A laparoscope is put through one of the cannulas which projects a video picture of the internal organs and spleen on a monitor screen.
• Cannulas will be placed at different places on your abdomen so that to allow the surgeon to place instruments in your belly to operate on your spleen.
• An endoscopic stapler is used to isolate the spleen safely. Any minor bleeding is stopped with clips so that everything is secure.
• Accessory (additional) spleens are searched and then removed if present since some people have small, additional spleens.
• After the spleen is cut and separated from other organs, it is placed in a durable retrieval bag to avoid any tissue leaking, especially if the risk of cancer is present.
• The retrieval bag is pulled up from one of the small, but largest incisions on your abdomen.
• The spleen is broken up into small pieces (morcellated) within the retrieval bag and completely removed.
• A drain tube for drainage of fluid from the surgical site may be left. This is usually removed in a few days after surgery.
The Spleen is an important part of your immune system as it fights infections. But you can survive without it because the liver can take over many of the roles of the spleen.
If you undergo laparoscopic splenectomy surgery even for partial spleen removal, the usual benefits will be:
• Less postoperative pain
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster return to a normal diet
• Faster return to normal activities
• Fewer incisional hernias
Each surgery has its risks associated with it and requires a different set of post-operative care. However, you should note that the chances of risks in laparoscopic splenectomy are much lesser than in open conventional surgery.
However, the risks that you can talk with your surgeon about include:
• Bleeding from incision sites
• Deposition of clots in veins (venous thromboembolism)
• Damage to the organs and blood vessels surrounding the spleen
• Problems associated with anaesthesia dosage
• Infection near the incisions
• Abdominal swelling
• Chance of needing open conversion
After your surgery, you will spend about an hour and a half in the recovery room. Your healthcare provider will monitor your vitals as you wake up after the surgery.
If you are seeking advanced and minimally invasive surgical options, Delhi has a blend of expert care and modern facilities for you. Delhi can offer you with the following:
• The best Hospitals: With hospitals equipped with the latest technology, Delhi establishes itself as a top choice for all surgeries.
• Skilled Doctors: The city has surgeons who are highly experienced and trained in robotic and minimally invasive surgeries.
• Affordable Prices: Surgery in Delhi costs much less than in many other countries. The affordability of the surgeries in Delhi is not compromised by the quality of care that is offered.
• Great Post-Surgery Care: advice on vaccines, diet, and other recovery tips are given after the surgery. The hospitals help you to recover quickly and smoothly.
Dr. Atul Peters is a leading expert in laparoscopic splenectomy and bariatric surgery. Over the past several years, Dr. Peters has treated thousands of patients. His expertise makes him one of the best laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi, India.
Dr. Peters is associated with top healthcare facilities like Max Health Hospitals and Smart Clinics. He prioritizes safety and is widely recognized for his patient-centric approach while rendering holistic care to his patients. Dr Peters offers a variety of minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, including splenectomy, which has a faster recovery time and lowers the risk of complications. His prime focus is to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, care, sincerity, and integrity with his patients.
Splenectomy surgery cost in India is dependent on the following factors:
• The type of surgery- whether the surgery is a laparoscopic, open, or partial splenectomy.
• Fees of the surgeon- Surgeons with extensive experience may charge a higher fee.
• Pre-surgery Diagnostic tests- Before the surgery, diagnostic tests are performed to identify any underlying condition which also increases the surgery cost.
• Infrastructure of the hospital- hospitals that are equipped with advanced technology and accredited by major boards and institutions may charge higher fees.
• Post-operative care- the duration of hospital stays, medications, and after surgery care also add up to the cost of splenectomy operation.
Healthcare in India is known for its affordability and quality of medical care. Competitive prices are offered to attract individuals seeking high-standard medical care. If you conduct thorough research before planning your surgery, you can get a proper estimate of your surgery costs.
Laparoscopic surgery cost in Delhi generally starts from 50,000 Rs and might go as high as 3 lac Rs depending on all the above-mentioned factors.
Laparoscopic splenectomy may be required if there is either a disease involving the spleen or if the spleen is ruptured due to trauma and is bleeding internally.
When compared to open surgeries, Laparoscopic Splenectomy recovery time is generally faster and smoother. You can usually return to work two to three days after surgery if your surgeon agrees with your condition. However, you should take more time to recover and get back to your impending tasks with full vigour.
Compared to conventional open surgery, Laparoscopic splenectomy has minimal risks and is a safer option. In case you have questions regarding the safety and dangers of spleen operation, you can talk to your surgeon.
