Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, an organ that plays an important role in the immune system and blood health. However, it may need to be removed due to certain health problems.
Commonly, some blood disorders (such as thrombocytopenia, sickle cell anemia, etc.) necessitate splenectomy. Less commonly, spleen tumors, trauma, and certain infections may also require splenectomy.

Symptoms

The child may experience pain and swelling in the upper left side of the abdomen, as well as fatigue and weakness.

Treatment

If splenectomy is decided due to any of the above conditions, the child must be properly prepared before surgery. Since the spleen plays an important role in the immune system, the child should be managed in collaboration with the infectious diseases department before removal. Necessary vaccinations should be administered before the procedure. Therefore, the operation must be performed at a center where a multidisciplinary approach is possible. Also, since the child may need intensive care after surgery, the center must have a pediatric intensive care unit.

While the procedure was previously performed as open surgery, laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery has been the preferred method for the past 30 years. This reduces the risks of bleeding, infection, and wound complications during and after surgery, accelerates the child’s return to daily life, and results in less postoperative pain.
If your child has blood disorders, low platelet counts, or a mass or infection in the spleen, it is essential that they are followed in a center with pediatric surgery, pediatric hematology, pediatric infectious diseases, and pediatric intensive care units.
Splenectomy is generally a necessary surgical intervention in children for serious health issues. It is important to consider that after splenectomy, infection risk increases and the immune system may be altered. Careful monitoring and appropriate care before and after surgery can reduce the risk of complications.

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