Spleen Surgery in Ankara, Turkey

Spleen surgery (splenectomy) is the partial or complete removal of the spleen. It is most commonly performed due to trauma, hematological diseases, or an enlarged spleen. The goal is to improve the course of the underlying condition and reduce complications.

Splenectomy can be performed using an open or laparoscopic technique. Laparoscopic surgery uses smaller incisions and typically allows for faster recovery. Open surgery is preferred in cases of a very large spleen or traumatic injuries.

Because splenectomy can affect the immune system, patients are usually given vaccines after surgery. Pneumococcal, meningococcal, and influenza vaccines are especially important to reduce the risk of infection. Regular follow-up plays a critical role in preventing complications.

After splenectomy, blood clots and infections may rarely occur. Patients should take symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, or fatigue seriously. Proper surgical technique and careful follow-up support a safe recovery.

You can contact Prof. Dr. Ebru Soy, one of the doctors performing Spleen Surgery in Ankara, to get information about Spleen Surgery prices, the process, and the hospital where Spleen Surgery is performed.

What Is the Spleen?

The spleen is an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen with key roles in immunity and blood circulation. It breaks down old or damaged blood cells, produces immune cells, and stores blood. Normally, it is not noticeable, but it can enlarge in certain conditions. The spleen plays an important role in protecting against infections; however, the body can maintain immune defense through other mechanisms if it is removed.

What Is Spleen Surgery (Splenectomy)?

Hidden under the protection of the ribs in the upper left abdomen, the spleen quietly performs far more work than most people realize. It is both a “cleaning center” for the blood and a major “security guard” for the immune system. Splenectomy is the surgical removal of this multi-functional organ.

We can think of the spleen as a central hub with two main roles: blood filtration and immune defense.

As blood circulates continuously, a portion passes through the spleen. Here, the spleen acts like a quality-control station. It identifies red blood cells that are old, damaged, or misshapen and removes them from circulation so the blood can continue with healthy, efficient cells. The spleen also stores a significant portion of platelets, which play a vital role in stopping bleeding. When bleeding occurs, this storage acts as an emergency reserve that supports clotting.

The spleen’s other—and perhaps most crucial—role is as a stronghold of the immune system. As the body’s largest lymphoid organ, it helps defend against germs that enter the bloodstream. It is especially effective against serious “encapsulated” bacteria that can cause pneumonia and meningitis. When such bacteria enter the blood, specialized immune cells within the spleen can detect and neutralize them quickly. The spleen is also a key site for training and producing antibody-forming immune cells.

In short, the spleen is both a filter that keeps blood healthy and a defensive barrier against infections. Because these functions are lost after splenectomy, specific preventive measures and long-term lifestyle adjustments become important.

When Is Splenectomy Needed?

The decision to perform spleen surgery can arise in very different medical situations. Sometimes it is an emergency in which every second matters; other times it is a planned step to improve the course of a chronic disease. Indications for splenectomy typically fall into several main categories.

Trauma-Related Injuries

This is one of the most common reasons for splenectomy. In traffic accidents, falls, or blunt abdominal trauma, the spleen is among the most easily injured organs. Because it is highly vascular, injury can cause severe, life-threatening internal bleeding. Surgery is usually required when:

• The patient’s condition is unstable and blood pressure is low
• There is ongoing, life-threatening internal bleeding
• The patient deteriorates during non-operative observation
• The spleen is severely shattered or its vascular supply is destroyed

Blood Disorders (Hematologic Causes)

In some blood diseases, the spleen becomes the main site where blood cells are destroyed or where disease burden accumulates. Removing it can play a central role in treatment. Common examples include:

• ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura): An autoimmune disease in which the body destroys its own platelets. If medications fail, splenectomy may be considered because the spleen is a major site of platelet destruction.
• Hereditary Spherocytosis: A genetic condition where red blood cells are abnormally shaped and are destroyed in the spleen; removing the spleen reduces this destruction and improves anemia.
• Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: Conditions where the immune system destroys red blood cells and the spleen is involved in this process.
• Some leukemias and lymphomas: The spleen may become very enlarged due to accumulation of malignant cells, leading to pain, pressure symptoms, and low blood counts. Surgery may not “cure” the cancer but can improve symptoms and quality of life.
• Thalassemia: In severe cases, splenectomy may reduce transfusion requirements.

Other Structural Problems and Infections

Splenectomy can also be considered for spleen-related structural issues such as:

• Large splenic cysts causing pain or pressure
• Benign or malignant spleen tumors
• Splenic abscesses that do not respond to medical therapy and are life-threatening
• Spontaneous splenic rupture due to an underlying condition

Diagnostic Purposes

Rarely, when the cause of unexplained splenomegaly or prolonged fever cannot be identified despite extensive testing, the spleen may be removed so it can be examined pathologically to establish a definitive diagnosis.

What Are the Risks of Splenectomy?

As with any surgical procedure, splenectomy carries risks related both to the operation itself and to life without the spleen. It is best to consider these as early postoperative risks and long-term risks.

Surgical and Early Postoperative Risks

These are generally related to the nature of surgery and the spleen’s location:

• Bleeding: Because the spleen is highly vascular, bleeding during or after surgery is always a possibility.
• Infection: Infection can develop at the surgical wound or within the abdomen.
• Injury to Nearby Organs: The spleen sits close to the stomach, pancreas, and colon. There is a risk of unintended injury to these structures. In particular, injury to the tail of the pancreas can cause postoperative leakage and serious complications.
• Blood Clots (Thrombosis): After surgery, the body can become more prone to clotting. This risk may increase further after spleen removal, and clots can occur in the legs, lungs, or abdominal vessels.

Long-Term Risks Related to Absence of the Spleen

The most important and lasting consequences come from the loss of immune functions:

• OPSI (Overwhelming Post-Splenectomy Infection): This is the most serious and feared risk in people without a spleen. Without splenic immune defense, the body becomes especially vulnerable to encapsulated bacteria. OPSI can start with fever and fatigue and progress rapidly within hours to sepsis and multi-organ failure. Although the risk is highest in the first years after surgery, it remains lifelong.
• Increased Long-Term Clotting Tendency: Because the spleen normally stores part of the platelet pool, platelet counts may rise after splenectomy. This can increase the tendency for clot formation and may slightly raise long-term cardiovascular risk.

These risks highlight why the decision for splenectomy must be made carefully—and why education, vaccination, and follow-up are essential afterward.

How Is Splenectomy Performed?

Modern spleen surgery can be performed using different approaches depending on the patient’s condition and available technology. The choice depends on urgency, spleen size, and overall health.

• Open Splenectomy (Traditional Approach)

In open splenectomy, the surgeon makes a larger abdominal incision to reach the spleen directly—typically through the midline or under the left rib margin. This provides broad exposure and is often the fastest way to control bleeding in emergencies, such as severe traumatic splenic rupture after an accident. It is also preferred when the spleen is extremely enlarged (massive splenomegaly). Recovery is generally longer, postoperative pain is more noticeable, and the scar is larger.

• Laparoscopic Splenectomy (Minimally Invasive Approach)

For planned (non-emergency) cases, laparoscopic splenectomy is widely considered the modern “gold standard.” Instead of a large incision, several small (about 0.5–1 cm) ports are used. A camera is inserted through one port, and the surgeon operates using long instruments through the others while viewing a high-definition screen. The splenic attachments and vessels are carefully divided. The spleen is placed into a retrieval bag and removed through a slightly enlarged port site. Key advantages include less pain, shorter hospital stay (often a few days), better cosmetic results, and faster return to daily life.

• Robotic Splenectomy

This is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon controls robotic arms from a console. It offers a 3D view and very precise movements, which can be helpful in complex anatomy. However, due to cost and limited availability, routine use is more restricted.

• Spleen-Preserving Surgery (Partial Splenectomy)

As the spleen’s immune role has become better understood, removing only the diseased portion—while preserving healthy splenic tissue—has gained importance in selected cases. The goal is to maintain at least some immune function. This approach may be considered especially in children or when only part of the spleen is affected by benign cysts or tumors. Technically, it is more challenging than total splenectomy.

What Is the Recovery Process After Splenectomy?

Recovery after splenectomy includes both the short hospital phase and the longer healing period at home. The course differs depending on whether the operation was laparoscopic or open.

The first few days after surgery are particularly important. The patient’s overall condition is monitored closely. Laparoscopic surgery usually makes recovery more comfortable. Hospital stay is typically 2–4 days for laparoscopic procedures and can be up to about a week for open surgery.

Key focus points during inpatient recovery include:

• Pain control: Managing postoperative pain effectively.
• Early mobilization: Getting out of bed and walking early to reduce clot risk and stimulate bowel function.
• Resuming diet: Usually starting with liquids the day after surgery and progressing gradually to normal foods.
• Anticoagulation: Using blood-thinning injections under the skin to reduce clot risk.
• Vaccination planning: Scheduling the required vaccines if they could not be given before surgery.

After discharge, healing continues at home. Patients who undergo laparoscopic splenectomy often feel significantly better within 1–2 weeks and can resume daily routines. After open surgery, full recovery may take 4–6 weeks. During this time, it is important to follow medical instructions, care properly for the wound, and avoid heavy physical activities. Recovery is not only physical—it also involves adapting to life without the spleen and learning the long-term preventive measures needed.

Important Long-Term Considerations After Splenectomy

Life after splenectomy involves some permanent adjustments. This does not mean living in constant worry—rather, it means being more aware and proactive about infection prevention. Key lifelong rules include:

Vaccines: Your Most Important Shield

Vaccination is the strongest protection against the dangerous microbes you are more vulnerable to without a spleen. Getting vaccines on time and keeping boosters updated is essential. Commonly recommended vaccines include:

• Pneumococcal vaccine
• Meningococcal vaccines (including types that protect against different strains)
• Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine
• Annual influenza vaccine

Infection Management: Fever Is an Emergency Signal

Never forget this rule: For a person without a spleen, a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is an emergency that requires immediate medical evaluation. Even a seemingly minor infection can progress rapidly. If fever or severe fatigue occurs, the recommended actions are:

• Take the “emergency antibiotic” your doctor has prescribed in advance (if provided).
• Go to the nearest emergency department without delay.
• Always inform healthcare providers that you have had a splenectomy.

Everyday Safety Measures

Simple habits can significantly reduce risk:

• Medical alert identification: Carry a bracelet/necklace or wallet card indicating you do not have a spleen.
• Inform clinicians: Tell every doctor and dentist you see about your splenectomy.
• Animal bites: Seek medical attention promptly, especially after dog bites.
• Tick exposure: After time in rural/wooded areas, check your body for ticks.
• Travel health: Before traveling abroad—especially to tropical regions—consult an infectious diseases specialist for preventive guidance.