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Spleen Removal in Children

According to the American Pediatric Surgical Association, spleen removal surgery---technically called a splenectomy---is not performed as frequently as in the past, when the spleen was thought of as an unnecessary organ. Doctors now believe that the spleen is a vital organ for a child's health that removes waste and bacteria from the blood, and produces antibodies and red blood cells. Pediatric surgeons only remove the complete spleen if there are abnormalities or severe damage present.

  1. When is Spleen Removal Necessary?

    • There are certain chronic illnesses that can develop, making it necessary to remove your child's spleen. According to the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, chronic illnesses such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hereditary spherocytosis and specific blood diseases necessitate the majority of spleen removals among children. Certain severe injuries such as bicycle accidents or car wrecks may also damage the spleen, requiring partial or full removal.

    Splenectomy Procedures

    • According to the UCSF Medical Center, spleen removal surgery in children is generally performed laparoscopically by a pediatric surgeon. The surgery lasts two to three hours and involves the use of miniaturized instruments and small telescopes placed through a bandage-sized incision to remove the organ.

    After Surgery

    • Children usually spend two to three days in the hospital following a spleen removal. During her stay, the child receives intravenous antibiotics, pain medication and fluids until she is able to eat solid foods and take oral medications.

    Home Care

    • Children may be given ibuprofen and acetaminophen to relieve pain symptoms following spleen removal surgery. Showers or baths are usually permissible approximately two days after surgery or after discharge from the hospital. Parents should monitor the surgery incision in order to prevent infection.

    Considerations

    • Once your child's incision has healed from spleen removal surgery, you will be able to feel a firm ridge just underneath the incision. According to the UCSF Medical Center, this is normal and is known as a "healing ridge," which will soften and disappear several months after surgery.

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