A laparoscopic splenectomy is the removal of the spleen. In this procedure the spleen is removed through smaller incisions. This procedure is minimally invasive. The spleen is an organ that is located in the left upper part of your abdomen (belly)....

An open splenectomy is surgery to remove your spleen. The spleen is a small organ. It is located on the left side of your abdomen, just below your lung. The spleen has several jobs. It helps fight infection by acting like a giant lymph node. The spleen may need to be taken out if it is damaged in a crash or other trauma. It may also need to be taken out if you have certain diseases. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is one such disease. This disease causes your spleen to destroy too many blood cells that are needed for clotting....

Please read the instructions outlined below. Refer to these instructions for the next few weeks. These discharge instructions provide you with general information on caring for yourself after surgery. Your caregiver may also give you specific instructions. While your treatment has been planned according to the most current medical practices available, unavoidable complications sometimes occur. If you have any problems or questions after discharge, please call your caregiver....

Refer to this sheet in the next few weeks. These instructions provide you with information on caring for yourself after your procedure. Your caregiver may also give you more specific instructions. Your treatment has been planned according to current medical practices, but problems sometimes occur. Call your caregiver if you have any problems or questions after your procedure....

What does the spleen do?
Your spleen, an organ located in the upper left side of your abdomen, helps your body resist infection. Sometimes, the spleen stops working properly as a result of an accident or other health problems. In certain cases, a person's spleen has to be taken out. This surgical procedure is called a splenectomy....