Minimally Invasive Surgery

Spleen Disorders

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

The spleen is a sponge-like organ, located below the stomach, which can produce red blood cells and store and filter blood. Because these are functions performed primarily by other organs, the body can usually manage quite well without the spleen if it becomes diseased.

A variety of chronic illnesses, such as hereditary spherocytosis or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, may make it necessary to remove your child's spleen. Spleen removal is called splenectomy. Splenectomy is rarely an emergency and can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for your family. There are specific requirements regarding immunizations and blood work that may be needed prior to this operation. Please check with your child's hematologist prior to surgery.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated January 15, 2008