Surgery of the spleen

The spleen is an organ with many functions which have become better appreciated in recent times. This improved understanding, particularly with respect to its part in the immune responses, has lead to a greater emphasis on splenic salvage and preservation. The spleen is a vascular organ found under the ribcage in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, is frequently damaged during blunt trauma and as such is commonly excised as an emergency. This article aims to give the reader greater understanding of the splenic function, splenic surgery, the complications and immune considerations following its excision.