splenectomy
Pronunciation: splee-NEK-toh-mee
Surgical removal of the spleen, often required in trauma patients with severe splenic injury.
Full Definition
Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, performed in trauma surgery when splenic injury is too severe for non-operative management or splenic salvage procedures. The procedure may be performed open or laparoscopically, depending on patient stability and injury severity. Post-splenectomy patients require vaccination against encapsulated bacteria and lifelong antibiotic prophylaxis due to increased infection risk, particularly from Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae.
Usage
Usage note: May be qualified as 'total splenectomy' or 'partial splenectomy' depending on extent of removal.
In Context
- "A total splenectomy was performed due to grade V splenic laceration with active bleeding." — Operative report
- "Post-splenectomy vaccination was administered prior to hospital discharge." — Discharge summary