Panama Medical Vacations
Feeling Better with a Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Panama
Laparoscopic splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen. It differs from the traditional 'open' technique in that the procedure is performed through small incisions. This usually allows a much faster recovery and is significantly less painful. Panama’s health tourism provides a unique opportunity to combine your laparoscopic splenectomy at Hospital Punta Pacifica with a relaxing recovery in the beautiful country of Panama.
The Procedure
The purpose of a laparoscopic splenectomy is to remove the spleen without making the traditional large incision. You will be given general anesthesia and your surgeon may choose to operate with you lying flat on your back or turned onto your right side depending on his or her preference. Several small incisions are made into the abdomen; one is used for the laparoscope which sends images to a monitor. The other incisions are used for clamps or tools that can manipulate tissue in the abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdominal cavity to allow room to see and to work. The spleen is then freed from surrounding tissue and the blood vessels to the stomach and spleen are visualized, tied off and divided. Once the spleen is freed from the abdominal cavity, it is placed in a special surgical plastic bag and removed through one of the small abdominal incisions. If the spleen is too large to be removed in one piece, it will be broken into small pieces in the bag and removed. At the end of the surgery, the abdomen is deflated, the incisions are closed with suture, the skin is cleaned and the incisions are covered with steri-strips.
After your surgery
Immediately after your laparoscopic splenectomy, you will go to the recovery room where the staff will monitor your blood pressure, pulse, and respirations until you are fully awake. After you have recovered sufficiently, you will be moved to your room for the night. Many people only require one night in the hospital but it’s possible that your stay will be longer if needed. Resumption of normal activities should be discussed with your surgeon but you should be able to return to most things after your follow-up visit in one to two weeks.
Risks
Laparoscopic Splenectomy is a safe procedure. As with any other surgical procedure however, complications may occur such as bleeding and infection. The risk of surgery is also related to the disease process for which the laparoscopic splenectomy is being performed. Your surgeon will discuss any risks with you prior to your laparoscopic splenectomy.