Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy)
What is a splenectomy?
A splenectomy is an operation to remove the spleen. The spleen is an organ in the upper part of the tummy (abdomen). It lies on the left-hand side, behind the ribcage.
The spleen is normally about the size of a clenched fist. It helps to fight infection and removes old and damaged blood cells from the bloodstream.
A diagram showing the spleen:
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When is a splenectomy done?
You may have this operation if your spleen is damaged or not working properly. It can also be used if your spleen is enlarged or affected in another way by an illness or disease.
Sometimes a splenectomy is used to treat blood cancer. You might have it as part of your treatment for:
Very rarely, a splenectomy is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).
How is a splenectomy done?
If the spleen is not too large, this operation can be done using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. Instead of making 1 large cut, the surgeon makes 4 or 5 small cuts (incisions).
They put a flexible tube through one of these cuts. The tube has a camera and light on the end. This lets the surgeon see inside the tummy to operate. The surgeon uses specially designed instruments to remove the spleen without making a larger incision.
Infections after a splenectomy
The spleen helps to protect the body from bacterial infections. If you do not have a spleen, you will still be able to cope with most infections. But it is possible that a serious infection or sepsis could develop quickly. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication of infection.
If there is enough time before your splenectomy, you will have vaccinations to help you fight certain infections. Your cancer team usually arranges for you to have the vaccinations at least 14 days before your operation.
Your surgeon and cancer team will give you information about reducing your risk of infection after surgery. It is important to do the following things:
- Follow your surgeon and cancer team’s advice about having future vaccinations.
- Carry a card or wear a medical alert bracelet to tell people you do not have a spleen. This is in case there is a medical emergency. Your surgeon or cancer team can give you a card to use. Or you can print one from the UK Health Security Agency website.
- Remind any healthcare professional who treats or cares for you that you do not have a spleen. This includes your GP and dentist.
- Contact a doctor for advice and treatment straight away if you have any signs of infection.
- Try to avoid cuts, scratches and insect bites. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, including by a cat or dog, contact a doctor straight away for advice.
- Ask your doctor for advice before travelling abroad to countries where you may need vaccinations or antimalarial medicines. Travel Health Pro also provides information about travelling if your spleen has been removed or does not work properly.
- Take any medicines that your doctor prescribes for you. You may be advised to take daily antibiotics for the first few years after your operation as a precaution to help prevent infections.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our lymphoma information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
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