Forsyth Medical Center 
Spleen
| The spleen is an organ that cleans blood and makes white blood cells. |
Common disorders of the spleen include:
Hemolytic anemia
When red blood cells are fragile and cannot withstand the routine stress of the circulatory system, they may rupture prematurely, causing hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia can be present at birth or develop later. Several inherited conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, can cause these defective red blood cells. Some hereditary conditions that decrease cell production, such as thalassemia, also produce fragile cells.
Thalassemia
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to produce less hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps red blood cells spread oxygen all through your body. Low levels of hemoglobin may cause anemia, an illness that makes you feel weak and tired.
Lymphoma
This is a form of cancer which can present in the spleen.
Hereditary Spherocytosis
This occurs when abnormally shaped red blood cells are colledted in the spleen and cause it to enlarge.
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
In people with ITP, abnormal antibodies attack the body's own platelets leading to a low platelet count. Normally, antibodies are a healthy response to bacteria or viruses.
Hemolytic Anemia
This form of anemia consists of abnormal red blood cells which burst and then are collected by the spleen causing it to enlarge.
Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells which can be collected by the spleen causing it to enlarge.
Surgical procedures to treat disorders of the spleen include:
Open Splenectomy
During an open splenectomy, an incision is made in the upper abdomen and the spleen is removed. After having this procedure, the patient will typically have a three to five day hospital stay and a six week recovery period. This procedure is usually performed on patients with an enlarged spleen (splenomegly) or on those with previous upper abdominal surgery.
During a laparoscopic splenectomy, three to four small incisions are made in the abdomen and a laparoscope is used to remove the spleen. Typically patients who've undergone this procedure will have a one to two day hospital stay with a two to three week recovery period. Click on the link above to learn more about this procedure.
