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Splenectomy

The partial or total surgical removal of the spleen, often due to trauma, rupture, or hematologic disorders. The splenic artery and vein are ligated and divided to allow for the safe excision of the organ from the left upper quadrant.

5 steps · 18 instruments · 3 photos

Position
Supine

In 30 seconds

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  1. The Surgery Sparknotes
  2. Make initial incision with a 15 or 10 blade on a #3 knife handle.
  3. dissectdy-SEKT, or dih-SEKTTo cut apart or separate tissues carefully during surgery.Full entry through tissue using Adsons, Metz, Bovie, and retractorrih-TRAK-terA surgical instrument that holds back tissue or organs so the surgeon can see and reach the operative site.Full entry .
  4. Ligate all attachments and blood vessels using Bovie, Metz, or ties.
  5. Remove spleenspleenAn organ in the upper left abdomen that filters the blood and helps fight infection.splen/o spleenFull entry carefully and pass it off as a specimen.
  6. Stop bleeding, close incision with staples, and no drains are needed.

The tray

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The room

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Prep and drape

Folded towels or utility drapes and a laparotomy drape

Step by step

5 steps, one line each.

  1. 1

    Initial Incision

    During a Splenectomy, the surgical team will first need to make an incision to gain access to the abdomen. For this, a 15 or 10 blade loaded on a #3 knife handle is typically used. This initial incision will be made with precision to ensure minimal tissue damage and create enough space for the surgical team to work effectively.

  2. 2

    Dissecting Through Tissue

    Once the incision has been made, the doctor will start to dissectdy-SEKT, or dih-SEKTTo cut apart or separate tissues carefully during surgery.Full entry through the tissue to enter the abdomen. To do this, they will use a combination of Adsons, Metz, Bovie, and smaller retractorrih-TRAK-terA surgical instrument that holds back tissue or organs so the surgeon can see and reach the operative site.Full entry . These instruments will allow the surgical team to carefully maneuver through the tissue and minimize damage to the surrounding structures.

  3. 3

    Ligation of Attachments and Blood Vessels

    Once the spleenspleenAn organ in the upper left abdomen that filters the blood and helps fight infection.splen/o spleenFull entry has been reached, the surgical team will need to ligate all of its attachments and blood vessels to remove it successfully. For this, they will typically use a combination of Bovie, Metz, or ties loaded on tonsilTON-sulOne of the masses of lymph tissue at the back of the throat that help fight germs entering the mouth and nose.Full entry or used freehand. The surgical team should have a lot of 0 and 2-0 ties available, along with vessel loops, to ensure they have enough supplies to complete the procedure effectively.

  4. 4

    Removal of the Spleen

    After all of the attachments have been ligated and removed, the spleenspleenAn organ in the upper left abdomen that filters the blood and helps fight infection.splen/o spleenFull entry will be passed off as a specimen. This requires careful handling to avoid damaging the organ or spilling its contents. The surgical team must ensure that the spleen is removed entirely and that there are no remaining attachments or vessels that could cause bleeding or other complications.

  5. 5

    Stop Bleeding and Close Incision

    Once the spleenspleenAn organ in the upper left abdomen that filters the blood and helps fight infection.splen/o spleenFull entry has been removed, the surgical team will need to stop any bleeding and close the incision. Drains are usually not used for splenectomies, and staples are typically used to close the skin. The surgical team will need to ensure that the incision is closed correctly to prevent any postoperative complications.

About the procedure

The case

Splenectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the spleen, which is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen. This procedure may be necessary if the spleen is enlarged, damaged, or affected by a medical condition such as cancer, infection, or blood disorders. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the spleen is removed through a small incision in the abdomen. After the surgery, patients may need to take medications and follow certain precautions to prevent infections. Splenectomy can improve or resolve symptoms associated with spleen-related conditions, but it can also increase the risk of certain infections and other health issues.

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