Treatments
Splenectomy in India
Quick answer
Splenectomy is surgery to remove the spleen, an organ in the upper left abdomen that filters blood and helps fight some infections. It is done for certain blood disorders, an enlarged or overactive spleen, cysts or tumours, and spleen injury. Most planned splenectomies are now done by keyhole surgery, and lifelong infection precautions follow.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-27
At a glance
The spleen removes old or damaged blood cells and stores platelets. In some conditions it destroys too many red cells or platelets, or grows so large that it causes pain and low blood counts. In others, such as some lymphomas or splenic cysts, the spleen itself is the problem.
People can live without a spleen, but they are more prone to serious infections from certain bacteria. Vaccines are given before planned surgery, and some patients take daily antibiotics for a time afterwards. In selected children, a partial splenectomy may keep some protective function.
How this approach differs
Laparoscopic splenectomy generally means less pain and a shorter stay. Open surgery is still used for very large spleens, emergencies and some cancers.
Who needs splenectomy
- Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) not controlled by medicines
- Hereditary spherocytosis and some forms of thalassaemia with heavy transfusion needs or a very large spleen
- Sickle cell disease with repeated splenic sequestration crises, mostly in children
- Splenic cysts, abscesses or tumours, and some lymphomas
- Massive spleen enlargement causing pain or low blood counts
- Spleen rupture after injury when bleeding cannot be stopped otherwise
How it is done
- Ultrasound or CT measures spleen size and checks for extra small spleens (accessory spleens).
- Vaccines against pneumococcus, meningococcus and Haemophilus are given at least two weeks before planned surgery.
- Blood or platelet transfusion may be arranged if counts are low.
- Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon usually works through small keyhole cuts.
- Blood vessels to the spleen are sealed and the spleen is freed and removed in a bag.
- Very large spleens may need a hand-assisted or open approach.
Before you travel to India
- Full blood count reports, haematologist letters and transfusion history
- Ultrasound or CT of the abdomen
- Vaccination records; vaccines may be given at home before travel if planned in advance
- Plan to stay in India for about two weeks
Recovery and flying home
- Hospital stay is usually two to four days after keyhole surgery, longer after open
- Platelet counts may rise sharply; blood tests are checked and some people need aspirin
- Daily antibiotics may be prescribed for a period, especially in children
- Carry an alert card stating you have no spleen
- Any fever needs urgent medical attention, at home or while travelling
- Booster vaccines and yearly flu shots continue with your home doctor
Risks
- Serious infection later in life (overwhelming post-splenectomy infection)
- Bleeding during or after surgery
- Blood clots, including in the portal vein
- Injury to the pancreas tail or stomach
- Return of the blood disorder if an accessory spleen is missed
Alternatives
- Medicines such as steroids, immunoglobulin or newer drugs for ITP
- Regular transfusions and iron removal therapy in thalassaemia
- Partial splenectomy in selected children
- Splenic artery embolisation to reduce spleen size or stop bleeding
- Bone marrow transplant for some inherited blood disorders
Conditions treated
Hospitals in India for splenectomy
- Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
- AIG Hospitals, GachibowliHyderabad
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
- Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
- BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
- Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, KolkataKolkata
- Continental HospitalsHyderabad
- Apollo Hospitals, Greams RoadChennai
Specialists
Dr Adarsh ChaudharyMedanta - The Medicity, Gurugram- Dr Vivek VijFortis Hospital, Noida / Fortis Escorts Okhla / FMRI Gurugram
Dr Aditya J NanavatiFortis Hospital, Mulund- Dr Deepak SubramanianMGM Healthcare (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital)
Dr Sadiq Saleem SikoraSakra World Hospital- Dr Venugopal BLisie Hospital
Frequently asked questions
Can I live a normal life without a spleen?
Yes. The liver and other organs take over most blood filtering. You will need vaccines, prompt treatment of fevers and sometimes antibiotics to lower infection risk.
Why do I need vaccines before the operation?
Without a spleen, the body fights certain bacteria less well. Vaccinating beforehand gives the best immune response.
Will splenectomy cure my thalassaemia?
No. It may reduce how often you need transfusions or relieve a very large spleen, but the condition remains. A haematologist decides if it helps.
Is travelling to malaria areas safe after splenectomy?
Malaria can be more severe without a spleen. Take strict mosquito precautions and preventive medicine as advised. Seek care quickly for any fever.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-27. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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