What is a Splenule?
Splenules are congenital foci of healthy splenic tissue that are separate from the main body but are structurally identical to the spleen, derived from mesenchymal buds on the left side of the mesogastrium and commonly seen in or near the tail of the pancreas.
Can your spleen grow back after being removed?
Unlike some other organs, like the liver, the spleen does not grow back (regenerate) after it is removed. Up to 30% of people have a second spleen (called an accessory spleen). These are usually very small, but may grow and function when the main spleen is removed.
What are the side effects of a splenectomy?
But as with any surgery, splenectomy carries the potential risk of complications, including:
- Bleeding.
- Blood clots.
- Infection.
- Injury to nearby organs, including your stomach, pancreas and colon.
What causes Splenosis?
Splenosis is the result of spleen tissue breaking off the main organ and implanting at another site inside the body. This is called heterotopic autotransplantation of the spleen. It most commonly occurs as a result of traumatic splenic rupture or abdominal surgery.
Is Splenule normal?
Splenules, or accessory spleens, are congenital foci of normal splenic tissue that are separate from the main body of the spleen. They are not uncommon, and are often incidentally found on CT scans and other abdominal imaging studies.
What is a Intrapancreatic Splenule?
An intrapancreatic accessory spleen is a splenunculus within the pancreatic parenchyma. Differentiating this finding from other pancreatic neoplasms is important to avoid unnecessary surgery.
Is splenectomy a disability?
Under Diagnostic Code 7706, a splenectomy warrants a 20 percent disability rating. This diagnostic code also provides the instruction to rate complications such as systemic infections with encapsulated bacteria separately.
How long do you stay in the hospital after a spleen removal?
After the Procedure You or your child will spend less than a week in the hospital. The hospital stay may be only 1 or 2 days after a laparoscopic splenectomy. Healing will likely take 4 to 6 weeks.
Does a splenectomy affect your immune system?
Undergoing a spleen removal leaves you with a compromised, or weakened, immune system. Since infections can be more dangerous without a spleen, you may need yearly vaccines and prophylactic antibiotics.
What does Hyposplenism mean?
Hyposplenia is the reduced or absent function of the spleen, impairing the capacity to prevent bacterial infections.
How common is splenosis?
Splenosis has been widely reported around the world with an incidence of 16-67% after traumatic splenic rupture or splenectomy. The etiology of splenosis begins after an initial splenic rupture or splenectomy which causes splenic pulp to scatter into the peritoneal cavity via direct spread.
Can a Splenule grow?
They may grow over time to become quite sizable. If located only intrahepatically, they can cause serious diagnostic problems. A similar process occurring in the thorax is called thoracic splenosis.