Spleen and Adrenal Disorders
SPLEEN
The spleen is a soft, spongy organ located on the upper left side of the abdomen that is involved in red blood cell and immune function.
INDICATIONS FOR SPLENECTOMY
In addition to trauma, splenectomy may be indicated in cases of enlarged or dysfunctional spleen, cysts, abscesses, or tumors.
Disorders of red blood cells, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia may cause splenomegaly, or enlarged spleen, and/or pain from the breakdown of red blood cells. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP, is the most common indication for splenectomy and is characterized by low platelet count. This is generally treated with medication initially with good response, but if medications fail to work surgery may be required to increase platelet counts.
CAN I LIVE WITHOUT A SPLEEN?
Patients without a spleen are at risk of infections from encapsulated bacteria. Prevention includes vaccines and prophylactic antibiotics. For elective splenectomy, vaccines against these organisms will be given at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Yearly flu vaccine is recommended. Prophylactic antibiotics may be given for the first year after surgery in high risk patients.
There are two adrenal glands, located above the kidneys in the lower back, and they produce several types of hormones involved in regulating metabolism, immune function, blood pressure, and response to stress, as well as other essential functions.
Surgery is indicated when the adrenal glands get too big (>4 cm), for primary or metastatic cancers, or functional over-secreting tumors (which are rare) of one of the hormones that are produced by the adrenal gland.
In addition to surgery, many of the functional hormone secreting tumors require a full pre-operative workup to make a diagnosis and include some pre-operative medical management to allow for safe and straightforward surgery.
In rare cases of bilateral adrenalectomy, lifelong hormone replacement therapy is required.
Adrenal glands
There are two adrenal glands, located above the kidneys in the lower back, and they produce several types of hormones, including catecholamines, aldosterone, cortisol, and sex hormones.
Indications for adrenalectomy
Surgery is indicated when the adrenal glands get too big (>4 cm), for primary or metastatic cancers, or functional over-secreting tumors (which are rare) of one of the hormones that are produced by the adrenal gland, including pheochromocytoma, Aldosteronoma, Cushing’s syndrome, or virilizing/feminizing tumors.
Adrenal glands
Surgery is indicated when the adrenal glands get too big (>4 cm), for primary or metastatic cancers, or functional over-secreting tumors (which are rare) of one of the hormones that are produced by the adrenal gland.
Treatment
What are my treatment options?
In addition to surgery, many of the functional hormone secreting tumors require a full pre-operative workup to make a diagnosis and include some pre-operative medical management to allow for safe and straightforward surgery.
In rare cases of bilateral adrenalectomy, lifelong glucocorticoid and mineralcorticoid replacement therapy is required.
Wound care instructions and pain medication will be provided by your surgeon
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