Spleen
About the spleen
The spleen is part of the human immune system, and because it defines the level of platelets in our blood, it plays an important role protecting us from injury and allowing our body to heal by itself in case of a cut or a bruise. If bleeding occurs in vital areas of the body, and is not regulated by the platelets, this may cause serious risks and complications, particularly in the bowel, the mouth and the nose or the brain.
If a splenectomy is performed, a number of vaccinations are mandatory. That’s because the spleen acts as a filter for bacteria in the blood, so you will need vaccinations for pneumococcus, meningococcus, haemophilus influenza type b and influenza.
You may also be advised to take daily antibiotics, to reduce the risk of infections.
The surgery to remove the spleen can be done either laparoscopically or as open surgery. This will depend on the condition and the size of your spleen.
When you need this type of treatment, we will be available to make sure you fully understand your personal situation, the treatment options and the details of your personalised care plan.
At The Surgeons Collective in Perth, we work together as a team of specialist surgeons, specialist doctors, dietitians and support staff because you deserve expert surgery and excellent care.
About Us
At The Surgeons Collective we work as a team of expert surgeons, as well as hepatologists, gastro-enterologists and accredited dietitians.
Hematological disorders
Disease affecting the blood or lymphatic system can create conditions where the spleen needs to be removed. For example hereditary spherocytosis, lymphoma, hypersplenism,...
A decision for splenectomy is always taken in conjunction with your hematologist. A splenectomy can be a difficult operation with serious risks. This is why it is essential to speak to a team of specialist surgeons, who use the expertise they gathered over many years of work in this area.
At The Surgeons Collective in Perth, our experienced surgeons will assist you with a personalised care and treatment plan based on your condition, your personal life and your needs. We value the importance of excellent clinical outcomes as well as the quality of the care experience, and pride ourselves in going out of our way to make the treatment journey as comfortable as possible for you as a patient.
ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura)
ITP is a condition that causes low platelet levels in the blood, and platelets are important small cells that prevent bleeding in the human body. ITP in children may occur very suddenly, caused by a virus. In adults, it’s very uncommon (1 in 16,000 adults per year). The normal level of platelets in our blood is 150,000 to 400,000 per ml. When you have a cut, the small cells become sticky and this is what stops the bleeding. With ITP patients may develop small spots of bleeding on their skin, on the lining of their mouth and nose, in the bowel and even in the brain. The most common treatments are based on medication and intravenous infusions. If these treatments fail, a surgical removal of the spleen may be advised by your hematologist.
Why choose The Surgeons Collective?
Specialised care for a spleen condition requires advanced expertise across disciplines and this is exactly what the team offers at The Surgeons Collective Perth. Our surgeons have a total commitment to delivering excellent surgical and clinical outcomes. With many years of experience across a wide range of treatments, surgeries and aftercare programs, our doctors also focus on how you feel whilst you are going through a treatment program. That’s why we provide continuous care, kindness and support before, during and after your tests, treatment, surgery or follow-up program.
If you have any questions about a splenectomy advised by your hematologist, please contact The Surgeons Collective and we will be happy to assist you.
Contact us
THE SURGEONS COLLECTIVE
McCourt St Medical Centre
Level 1, Suite 10, 2 McCourt Street
West Leederville,
Perth 6007, WA
THE SURGEONS COLLECTIVE
Monday - Thursday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday | 9:00am - 1:30pm
