Etymed
splenectomy
Definition
surgical removal of the spleen
Clinical context
A 28-year-old trauma patient presents with massive abdominal pain and hypotension following a motor vehicle accident. Imaging reveals a ruptured spleen with significant hemoperitoneum. Emergency splenectomy is performed to control bleeding and prevent further complications. Postoperatively, the patient requires careful monitoring for infectious complications due to the spleen's role in immune function.
Mnemonic
Spleen = Spleenectomy = Spleen removed, so Spleen = Sick - patients are vulnerable to infections post-operatively