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What is Splenectomy?​

A splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the spleen, an organ located in the upper left abdomen that filters blood, stores blood cells, and supports the immune system. It is performed to treat various conditions, including trauma, blood disorders, or malignancy, but increases the risk of infections due to the spleen’s role in immunity. In India, splenectomy is conducted in specialized general surgery or hematology centers, offering high-quality care at affordable costs. For patients and families in India, understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for informed decision-making and optimal outcomes.

Why do you need splenectomy?

Splenectomy is indicated for:

  • Trauma: Splenic rupture from blunt or penetrating abdominal injury (e.g., car accidents), often an emergency.
  • Hematologic disorders:
    • Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): Spleen removes antibody-coated platelets, causing low platelet counts.
    • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA): Spleen destroys red blood cells.
    • Hereditary spherocytosis: Abnormal red cell shape leading to hemolysis.
  • Malignancy: Splenic lymphoma, leukemia, or metastatic disease.
  • Splenic abscess or cysts: Infections or large cysts causing pain or rupture risk.
  • Hypersplenism: Enlarged spleen causing excessive destruction of blood cells (e.g., in cirrhosis, portal hypertension).
  • Splenomegaly: Massive spleen enlargement causing pain or early satiety.

The procedure aims to address the underlying condition, stop bleeding (in trauma), or relieve symptoms. In India, hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, Medanta, and AIIMS specialize in splenectomy, using open or laparoscopic techniques.

Why Do Splenectomy Costs Vary in India?

Costs range from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh:

  • Procedure Type: Open splenectomy (₹1–3 lakh), laparoscopic (₹2–4 lakh), robotic (₹3–5 lakh).
  • Hospital/Location: Higher in metro cities (Apollo, Fortis); lower in government hospitals (AIIMS, ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakh).
  • Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced general surgeons charge more.
  • Additional Costs: ICU stay (trauma cases), diagnostics (CT, ultrasound), blood transfusions.
  • Insurance: Covered for trauma, malignancy, or hematologic disorders; Ayushman Bharat offers subsidies.

Splenectomy Procedure

The procedure is tailored to the patient’s condition and surgical approach:

  1. Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Imaging (ultrasound, CT) confirms splenic injury, size, or pathology.
      • Blood tests assess hematologic status (e.g., platelet count, hemoglobin) and liver function.
      • Bone marrow biopsy may be needed for hematologic malignancies.
    • Vaccinations (pneumococcal, meningococcal, Haemophilus influenzae type b) are given 2–4 weeks prior (or post-surgery in emergencies) to reduce infection risk.
    • Blood transfusions or platelet infusions may be needed for severe anemia or thrombocytopenia.
    • Bowel preparation is typically not required.
  2. Surgical Techniques:
    • Open Splenectomy:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–2 hours.
      • A left subcostal or midline incision provides access to the spleen.
      • The spleen is mobilized by dividing its ligaments (e.g., splenocolic, splenorenal) and isolating its blood supply (splenic artery and vein).
      • The vessels are ligated, and the spleen is removed.
      • The area is inspected for accessory spleens (present in 10–20% of patients), which are also removed if found.
      • Often used in emergencies (e.g., trauma) or for massive splenomegaly.
    • Laparoscopic Splenectomy:
      • Minimally invasive, using 3–4 small incisions, a laparoscope, and instruments.
      • Suitable for elective cases (e.g., ITP, spherocytosis) with normal or moderately enlarged spleens.
      • Takes 2–3 hours; the spleen is morcellated (broken into pieces) and removed in a bag.
      • Offers less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery.
    • Robotic-Assisted Splenectomy:
      • Uses robotic systems (e.g., da Vinci) for enhanced precision, particularly in complex cases.
      • More expensive, available in centers like Apollo or Medanta.
    • Partial Splenectomy (Rare):
      • For focal lesions (e.g., cysts, tumors), preserving some splenic function to reduce infection risk.
  3. After Surgery:
    • Patients are monitored in the ward (or ICU for trauma) for 2–5 days.
    • Pain is managed with analgesics (e.g., paracetamol, tramadol).
    • Blood counts are monitored for improvement (e.g., rising platelets in ITP).
    • Post-splenectomy vaccinations (if not given pre-surgery) are administered before discharge.

Recovery After Splenectomy

  1. Hospital Stay: 2–5 days (laparoscopic), 5–7 days (open).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain managed with medications; shoulder pain (from diaphragmatic irritation) may occur in laparoscopic cases.
    • Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin) for 3–5 days prevent infection.
    • Patients are educated on lifelong infection risk (overwhelming post-splenectomy infection, OPSI) and the need for prompt treatment of fevers.
    • Prophylactic antibiotics (e.g., penicillin) may be prescribed for 1–2 years, especially in children.
  3. Activity/Diet:
    • Light walking in 1–2 days; strenuous activities avoided for 4–6 weeks (laparoscopic) or 6–8 weeks (open).
    • Normal diet; high-protein intake supports healing; 2–3 liters water daily.
  4. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1–2 weeks, 4–6 weeks; blood counts monitor hematologic response.
    • Annual vaccinations (e.g., flu) and revaccination (e.g., pneumococcal every 5 years) are recommended.

Most resume normal activities in 4–6 weeks (laparoscopic) or 6–8 weeks (open). Success rates are 70–90% for ITP (platelet response); trauma outcomes depend on associated injuries.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks: Bleeding (5–10%, higher in trauma), infection, pancreatic injury (tail of pancreas near spleen, 1–3%).
  • Post-Splenectomy Risks:
    • Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI): 1–2% lifetime risk, highest in first 2 years, from encapsulated bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae).
    • Thrombocytosis: Elevated platelets increasing clotting risk (e.g., DVT, 5–10%); managed with aspirin if needed.
  • General Risks: Anesthesia reactions, pneumonia, blood clots.
  • Long-Term: Increased infection risk, need for lifelong vigilance for fever.

Report fever (>38°C), severe pain, or swelling promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for splenectomy?

Trauma, hematologic disorders (e.g., ITP, AIHA), malignancy, or splenomegaly.

Can I live without a spleen?

Yes, but you’re at higher risk for infections; vaccinations and vigilance are key.

Is laparoscopic better than open splenectomy?

Laparoscopic offers faster recovery and less pain but isn’t suitable for emergencies or massive spleens.

How soon can I resume activities?

4–6 weeks (laparoscopic), 6–8 weeks (open).

Is splenectomy covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for trauma, malignancy, or hematologic conditions; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, swelling, or shortness of breath.

Will I need lifelong medications?

Not usually, but prophylactic antibiotics may be advised for 1–2 years; prompt fever treatment is critical.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Vaccinations, fever vigilance, avoid high-risk infections, inform doctors of asplenia.

Conclusion

Splenectomy effectively treats various splenic conditions but requires lifelong infection precautions due to the spleen’s immune role. India’s top hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, AIIMS) offer affordable, expert care. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs helps patients approach splenectomy confidently. Consult a general surgeon or hematologist for personalized guidance and successful treatment.

Looking for Best Hospitals for splenectomy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

we are not promoting any hospitals we sourced all the details from google and hospitals website, please verify and start with your surgery here we go the list includes government, budget and superspeciality hospitals accreditation bodies are the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₹) Maximum Price (₹)
Agra
1,50,000
3,50,000
Ahmedabad
2,00,000
4,00,000
Ajmer
1,50,000
3,50,000
Aligarh
1,50,000
3,50,000
Allahabad
1,50,000
3,50,000
Amritsar
1,75,000
3,75,000
Aurangabad
1,75,000
3,75,000
Bangalore
2,00,000
4,00,000
Bareilly
1,50,000
3,50,000
Belgaum
1,75,000
3,75,000
Bhopal
1,75,000
3,75,000
Bhubaneswar
1,75,000
3,75,000
Bikaner
1,50,000
3,50,000
Chandigarh
2,00,000
4,00,000
Chennai
2,00,000
4,00,000
Coimbatore
2,00,000
4,00,000
Dehradun
1,75,000
3,75,000
Delhi
2,00,000
4,00,000
Dhanbad
1,50,000
3,50,000
Durgapur
1,50,000
3,50,000
Faridabad
2,00,000
4,00,000
Ghaziabad
2,00,000
4,00,000
Gorakhpur
1,50,000
3,50,000
Guntur
1,75,000
3,75,000
Gurgaon
2,00,000
4,00,000
Guwahati
1,75,000
3,75,000
Gwalior
1,50,000
3,50,000
Hyderabad
2,00,000
4,00,000
Indore
1,75,000
3,75,000
Jabalpur
1,50,000
3,50,000
Jaipur
2,00,000
4,00,000
Jalandhar
1,75,000
3,75,000
Jamshedpur
1,75,000
3,75,000
Jodhpur
1,50,000
3,50,000
Kanpur
1,50,000
3,50,000
Kochi
2,00,000
4,00,000
Kolkata
2,00,000
4,00,000
Kollam
1,75,000
3,75,000
Lucknow
1,75,000
3,75,000
Ludhiana
2,00,000
4,00,000
Madurai
1,75,000
3,75,000
Mangalore
1,75,000
3,75,000
Meerut
1,50,000
3,50,000
Moradabad
1,50,000
3,50,000
Mumbai
2,00,000
4,00,000
Mysore
2,00,000
4,00,000
Nagpur
1,75,000
3,75,000
Nashik
1,75,000
3,75,000
Navi Mumbai
2,00,000
4,00,000
Noida
2,00,000
4,00,000
Patna
1,50,000
3,50,000
Pune
2,00,000
4,00,000
Raipur
1,75,000
3,75,000
Rajkot
1,75,000
3,75,000
Ranchi
1,50,000
3,50,000
Surat
2,00,000
4,00,000
Thane
2,00,000
4,00,000
Vadodara
1,75,000
3,75,000
Varanasi
1,50,000
3,50,000
Visakhapatnam
1,75,000
3,75,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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