Minimally Invasive Surgery

Spleen Disorders

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

In most cases, a splenectomy can be performed laparoscopically by a pediatric surgeon using a small telescope and miniature instruments placed through Band-Aid size incisions on the abdomen. The operation is completed in two to three hours. Your child will stay in the hospital for two to three days. During hospitalization, your child will receive intravenous fluids, antibiotics and pain medication. As soon as your child feels well enough he or she will be allowed to eat and drink and take pain medication orally, usually within two to three days after surgery.

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