Splenectomy (Spleen Removal)
A splenectomy is an operation to remove the spleen, the organ that filters blood and supports the immune system. It treats certain blood disorders, an enlarged or damaged spleen, some tumors and a ruptured spleen after injury. It is often done by keyhole surgery, and patients receive vaccinations to protect against infection afterwards.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
The spleen sits under the left ribcage and helps filter the blood, recycle red blood cells and support the immune system. A splenectomy removes it when it is diseased, dangerously enlarged, damaged by trauma, or when removing it treats a blood disorder such as certain forms of low platelets or hereditary conditions affecting red blood cells. Most planned splenectomies today are performed laparoscopically (keyhole) through several small incisions, which generally means less pain and a faster recovery; an open operation may be needed for a very large spleen or in emergencies.
Because the spleen plays a role in fighting infection, removing it requires careful planning. Where possible, you receive vaccinations before surgery, and your team gives clear, lifelong advice on reducing infection risk afterwards. For international patients, a dedicated coordinator arranges the assessment, vaccinations, surgery and a transparent cost estimate before travel, and our specialists can review your blood results and scans remotely so the plan is agreed before you arrive in İstanbul.
Who is a candidate?
- People with certain blood disorders, such as immune thrombocytopenia (low platelets) that has not responded to medication
- Patients with hereditary conditions affecting red blood cells, such as hereditary spherocytosis, where removal helps
- Those with a significantly enlarged spleen causing pain, discomfort or blood-count problems
- Patients with a cyst, tumor or certain cancers involving the spleen
- People with a ruptured or severely injured spleen after trauma, where urgent surgery may be needed
- Individuals fit for surgery and able to follow lifelong infection-prevention precautions afterwards
What happens
- 1
Evaluation and preparation
Your team confirms why the spleen needs removing with blood tests and imaging, checks your fitness for surgery, and, for planned operations, gives vaccinations in advance to strengthen your protection against infection.
- 2
Anesthesia
The operation is performed under general anesthesia so you are fully asleep and feel nothing. Your anesthetist reviews your health and explains the plan before surgery.
- 3
The operation
Most often the surgeon removes the spleen through several small keyhole incisions; an open approach through a larger incision is used for a very large spleen or in an emergency. The blood vessels to the spleen are carefully sealed before it is removed.
- 4
Early recovery in hospital
You are monitored as the anesthetic wears off, with pain managed and early gentle movement encouraged. The stay is usually shorter after keyhole surgery, on average a few days, and longer after an open operation.
- 5
Recovery at home
Energy returns gradually over four to six weeks. You avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity until your surgeon advises, and begin the lifelong infection precautions your team has explained.
- 6
Long-term protection
Because you no longer have a spleen, you keep your vaccinations up to date, may take preventive antibiotics as advised, and seek prompt medical care for fevers. International patients leave with a clear plan to share with their own doctor.
Benefits
- Can resolve the underlying problem in certain blood disorders, such as restoring a safer platelet count
- Removes a painful, enlarged, cystic or tumor-affected spleen
- Treats a ruptured spleen and controls life-threatening bleeding after injury
- Keyhole surgery, where suitable, offers small incisions, less pain and a quicker recovery
- Most people return to normal daily life within several weeks with sensible precautions
Risks & considerations
- A lifelong, increased risk of certain serious infections, which is why vaccinations and prompt treatment of fevers matter
- Bleeding during or after surgery, given the spleen's rich blood supply
- Wound or chest infection, generally treatable
- A small risk of injury to nearby organs such as the pancreas, stomach or bowel
- General risks of major surgery and anesthesia, including blood clots
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our General Surgery Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Splenectomy (Spleen Removal) — frequently asked questions
Plan for around one to two weeks in total. The hospital stay is usually a few days after keyhole surgery and longer after an open operation, with extra days for a post-operative review before you fly home. Your coordinator confirms the exact timeline and a transparent, personalized cost estimate beforehand.
Yes. You can send your blood test results, scans and medical history for our specialists to review remotely. We confirm whether splenectomy is the right treatment, plan any vaccinations you need in advance, and provide a clear cost estimate before you make travel arrangements.
Yes. Other organs take over much of the spleen's work, and most people live a full, normal life after removal. The main change is a higher risk of certain infections, which is managed with up-to-date vaccinations, sometimes preventive antibiotics, and seeking prompt care for fevers.
The spleen helps fight specific bacteria, so vaccinations given before a planned splenectomy strengthen your protection while your immune system is still supported by the spleen. Your team arranges these in advance and explains which further vaccinations and precautions you will need long term.
Most planned splenectomies are done by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, which offers smaller incisions and a faster recovery. A very large spleen, or an emergency such as a rupture, may require open surgery. Your surgeon explains which approach is appropriate for your situation.
Most people feel substantially better within a couple of weeks and return to normal activity over about four to six weeks, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until the surgeon confirms it is safe. Recovery is generally quicker after keyhole surgery than after an open operation.
Considering splenectomy (spleen removal)?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.