Dear patient,
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide you with information that will help you go through the hospitalization and recovery period in the best and safest way possible.
This document does not replace the explanation given by the doctor, nor does it replace the surgical consent form.
The surgery you have been scheduled for is a splenectomy, which involves the removal of the spleen.
Background:
The spleen is located under the lower left ribs. Its normal weight is around 130 grams, but in certain diseases, it can grow to considerable sizes, sometimes weighing several kilograms. The spleen plays an important role in the immune system, acting as a filter that traps damaged red blood cells and helps the body deal with specific infections. In some cases, the spleen needs to be removed as part of treatment for a chronic disease or due to the presence of growths. Additionally, the spleen is frequently injured in abdominal injuries, and in many cases, urgent surgery is required to remove it.
In the past, splenectomy surgeries were performed through a large abdominal incision. However, nowadays, more and more surgeries are conducted using the laparoscopic approach, which involves making small incisions without opening the abdomen. The advantage of this method is a shorter healing time, less pain, and minimal scarring.
As with any surgery, there is a risk of side effects or complications, as explained by the doctor.
The Surgery:
The surgery is typically performed using the laparoscopic approach under general anesthesia. In this method, only small incisions are made, without the need for a large abdominal opening. The benefits include quicker recovery, less pain, and minimal scarring.
In some cases, due to anatomical reasons or previous abdominal surgeries or in cases of abdominal injuries requiring urgent intervention, a switch to the open approach may be necessary.
Before the Surgery:
Within the framework of your hospital admission, you will be asked to undergo blood tests, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and an ECG as needed. If you have any underlying medical conditions, you will be asked to provide additional medical approvals, such as a cardiology clearance and a letter from your attending physician. Please ensure you bring all the required documents to the preoperative unit on the day of admission.
In the Preoperative Unit:
You will receive an appointment for the preoperative unit through the department's secretary (Tel: 6666310). The process in the preoperative unit takes several hours, so please prepare accordingly.
- You will be examined by the operating surgeon, who will explain the nature of the surgery and ask you to sign a consent form for the procedure.
- A nurse will measure your pulse, blood pressure, and weight, complete any missing tests, and provide further instructions.
- You will be seen by an anesthesiologist who will explain the purpose of anesthesia and have you sign an anesthesia consent form.
- After the preoperative process is completed, you will return home. The preoperative unit will contact you and inform you of the surgery date.
Before the Surgery:
You will be asked to arrive directly at the General Surgery Department on the 8th floor on the evening before the scheduled surgery, on the morning of the surgery, or at noon on the day of the surgery, as per the instructions you will receive from the preoperative unit.
The department staff will receive you and complete the necessary preparations for the surgery. It is recommended to bring personal items such as toiletries, upper garments, and slippers. Avoid bringing valuable items, money, and jewelry.
You are requested to shower at home and if needed, also at the department, and wear clean clothes, removing nail polish and jewelry. You will receive fasting instructions from the preoperative unit according to the surgery schedule.
On the Day of the Surgery:
- You will wear a hospital gown, and your undergarments will be removed.
- You will receive medications, including regular medications and calming medications as prescribed by the anesthesiologist, to reduce stress due to the surgery.
- At the designated time, an attendant will accompany you to the operating room. Before that, please remove glasses, contact lenses, dentures, and hearing aids.
- All your belongings will be entrusted to a family member. If there is no family member present, they will be handed to security personnel before entering the operating room.
After the Surgery:
- After the surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery room, where you will be under the supervision of a nurse to ensure proper recovery after anesthesia and surgery.
- If you experience pain, you can request pain relief medication or medications to reduce nausea and prevent vomiting.
- One family member can enter the recovery room with the nurse's approval.
In the Ward:
- When released from the recovery room, you will return to the ward.
- In the ward, the nursing team will monitor your food intake, pulse, and urine output.
- You will receive pain medications either through an IV or in pill form, adjusted according to the level of pain you report. If the amount is insufficient, please inform the nurse.
- Your first walk after the surgery will be done with the assistance of a nurse.
- Discharge usually occurs between 2-3 days after the surgery, depending on your condition.
- Nutrition can be gradually reintroduced a day after the surgery. Start with drinking water and then move on to eating. If you have any special dietary requests, you can arrange them with the nurse during the admission day.
Upon Discharge:
- You will receive a discharge letter with recommendations for follow-up care in the community. You will be asked to schedule an appointment at the surgical clinic for examination and follow-up, according to the date stated in the discharge letter. You can schedule the appointment through the appointment center at 02-6555999.
How to Act at Home:
- You can resume your regular activities, including driving and returning to work, after about one week from the surgery day.
- It is essential to continue treatment and follow the instructions in the discharge letter.
- Inform your community physician about the surgery you underwent.
- If you experience a body temperature above 38°C, local heat, redness, or discharge from the surgical wound, contact your attending physician with the discharge letter. You can also consult the department's team or go to the hospital's sorting area.
- Keep the surgical area clean by daily washing with soap and water.
- Sick leave will be provided according to the doctor's recommendation.
For Inquiries and Questions, you can contact the Surgery Department at any time at 02-6555569 or 02-6555769.