Tag Archives: Splenectomy

General Surgery, Pediatrics, Print Release

PUBLISHED: Pediatric Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Splenomegaly due to Hereditary Spherocytosis

Pediatric Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Splenomegaly due to Hereditary Spherocytosis
Swetha Jayavelu, MD; Marc Mankarious, MD; Bryanna M. Emr, MD
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a form of inherited hemolytic anemia seen in children. HS is characterized by anemia, jaundice, splenomegaly, and complications such as gallstone formation or growth delay. While mild cases may be managed conservatively, splenectomy remains the definitive treatment for patients with severe symptoms or complications. This case presents a 10-year-old male with HS who presented with anemia, fatigue, abdominal pain, and palpable splenomegaly. He was found to have splenomegaly with a splenic length of 19.6 cm. He ultimately underwent a laparoscopic total splenectomy after receiving appropriate preoperative vaccinations. The procedure was completed successfully without complications, and the patient was discharged on post-op day 3. At follow-up, he demonstrated improved hemoglobin levels, resolution of abdominal pain, and no early complications. This case highlights the role of laparoscopic total splenectomy as a safe and effective treatment for pediatric patients with hereditary spherocytosis and massive splenomegaly, offering durable hematologic improvement with the benefits of a minimally invasive approach.

General Surgery, Print Release, Trauma

PUBLISHED: Exploratory Laparotomy and Splenectomy for Ruptured Spleen Following Blunt Force Trauma

Exploratory Laparotomy and Splenectomy for Ruptured Spleen Following Blunt Force Trauma
Sebastian K. Chung, MD1; Ashley Suah, MD2; Daven Patel, MD, MPH2; Nadim Michael Hafez, MD2; Brian Williams, MD2
1University of Massachusetts Medical School
2UChicago Medicine

The spleen is highly vascular, is the largest secondary lymphoid organ, and is the most commonly injured organ in the setting of blunt abdominal trauma. Patients may present asymptomatically or with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or signs of hemodynamic instability. Although many splenic injuries caused by blunt abdominal trauma may be managed conservatively, free intra-abdominal fluid with hemodynamic instability warrant surgical management in the form of exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy.

This video report demonstrates the management of a patient who was assaulted, sustaining blunt abdominal trauma and a hemodynamically significant grade IV splenic laceration. An exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy were performed.

General Surgery, Preprint Release, Trauma

PREPRINT RELEASE: Exploratory Laparotomy and Splenectomy for Ruptured Spleen Following Blunt Force Trauma


Exploratory Laparotomy and Splenectomy for Ruptured Spleen Following Blunt Force Trauma
UChicago Medicine

Brian Williams, MD
Associate Professor of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
Co-Director, Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Ashley Suah, MD
Resident Physician
General Surgery

Daven Patel, MD, MPH
Resident Physician
Emergency Medicine

Nadim Michael Hafez, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Emergency Medicine

The patient in this case was assaulted and sustained blunt force trauma to the abdomen. She was intermittently hypotensive, FAST exam revealed free fluid, and CT scan showed a grade IV splenic laceration. Here, Dr. Williams and Dr. Suah at UChicago Medicine perform an exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy.