Spleen Surgery
Specialized treatment for spleen conditions.
Robotic spleen surgery focused on personalized care and recovery.
Spleen Surgery Overview
Spleen surgery (splenectomy) removes the spleen to treat certain cancers, blood disorders, splenic enlargement, injury, or other conditions affecting spleen function.
Every treatment plan begins with a thorough evaluation of your condition. Our team reviews your symptoms, imaging, laboratory findings, and overall health to determine whether spleen surgery is the most appropriate option for you.
Conditions Commonly Treated
The Clarus Surgery team diagnoses and treats:
- Splenic enlargement (splenomegaly)
- Certain blood disorders
- Spleen injury or trauma
- Splenic cysts
- Splenic masses or cancers
- Conditions affecting spleen function
When Surgery Is Recommended
Spleen surgery may be recommended when:
- Symptoms interfere with daily activities
- Blood disorders affect overall health
- The spleen becomes enlarged
- Injury or trauma causes damage to the spleen
- Imaging findings support surgical treatment
- Non-surgical treatment is no longer the preferred approach
Clarus Surgical Approach
At Clarus Surgery, spleen treatment plans are individualized based on each patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, anatomy, imaging findings, and treatment goals. When appropriate, robotic-assisted surgical techniques may be utilized to support minimally invasive treatment while maintaining a focus on safety, recovery, and long-term outcomes. The Clarus Surgery team provides education, preparation guidance, and follow-up support throughout the surgical journey.
Have questions about spleen surgery? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Preparing for Spleen Surgery
Before surgery, the Clarus Surgery team and anesthesia team provide detailed preparation instructions. General preparation instructions include:
- Do not eat solid foods or consume milk, creamer, gum, candy, or mints after midnight before surgery.
- Follow instructions regarding clear liquids. If no stop time is provided, discontinue clear liquids at midnight.
- Follow medication instructions provided by your anesthesia team, and notify the Clarus Surgery team if you are taking or begin taking any prescription blood thinners before surgery.
- Plan for an overnight hospital stay.
- Have a care partner remain in the building during surgery to receive updates from your care team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after discharge and stay with you through your first night at home.
Additional preparation instructions may vary depending on your medical history and treatment plan.
Recovery Following Spleen Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Diet & Activity Guidelines
Resume your regular diet as tolerated and begin walking shortly after surgery.
Expected Recovery Symptoms
Temporary abdominal soreness, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, and shoulder discomfort may occur during recovery and generally improve over time.
Driving & Daily Activities
Return to normal activities as tolerated. Driving is generally permitted once narcotic pain medication has been discontinued for 48 hours.
Incision Care & Follow-Up Visits
Showering is permitted immediately after surgery. Follow-up is typically scheduled two weeks after surgery.
Post-Surgical Medication Guidance
Following surgery, some patients may require prescription pain medication or other medications to support recovery. Recommendations vary based on the procedure performed, medical history, and individual recovery needs.
Pain Management
Take medications as directed by your care team. Many patients gradually transition from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief as recovery progresses.
Activity & Recovery
Walking is encouraged shortly after surgery, and patients should gradually return to normal activities as tolerated. Follow your post-operative instructions and contact the Clarus Surgery team with any questions during recovery.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact our team immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent bleeding
- Significant abdominal swelling
- Fever greater than 101.5°F
- Pain not relieved with medication
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- White, yellow, or green drainage from the incision
Small amounts of clear or pink-tinged drainage can be normal during early healing. After-hours calls are answered by the on-call service, which will reach Dr. Porterfield or one of his partners who is on call. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room and ask the treating team to contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I discuss spleen surgery with a surgeon?
Spleen surgery may be recommended when blood disorders, splenic enlargement, injury, or other spleen-related conditions require surgical evaluation. Dr. Porterfield and the Clarus Surgery team evaluate symptoms, imaging findings, and treatment options to determine whether surgery may be appropriate.
What conditions may require spleen surgery?
Spleen surgery may be considered for certain blood disorders, splenic enlargement (splenomegaly), spleen injury, splenic cysts, or splenic masses. Treatment recommendations vary based on diagnosis and surgical evaluation.
What is a splenectomy?
A splenectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the spleen. When appropriate, Dr. Porterfield may utilize robotic-assisted surgical techniques to support minimally invasive treatment and recovery.
How long does recovery take after spleen surgery?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure performed and individual healing. Walking is encouraged shortly after surgery, and most patients gradually return to normal daily activities as recovery progresses. The Clarus Surgery team provides individualized recovery guidance before and after surgery.
Can you live without a spleen?
Many patients live healthy, active lives following spleen removal. Dr. Porterfield and the Clarus Surgery team provide individualized guidance regarding recovery and long-term care following surgery.
