Surgery for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Splenectomy for a damaged spleen.
The spleen is an organ that helps the body fight germs and infections. It also helps
filter blood.
If a CLL patient has a damaged or diseased spleen, surgery to remove it is sometimes
performed. This is called a splenectomy.
There are 2 types of splenectomy:
In an open spleen removal:
- the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen just below the ribs
- the surgeon finds the spleen and removes it
- if there are other types of cancer, lymph nodes may also be removed for examination
For laparoscopic spleen removal:
- a laparoscope, a tiny camera with a light on the end, is used. The surgeon makes
3 or 4 small cuts in the abdomen. The laparoscope is inserted through one of the
cuts while other medical instruments are inserted through another
- the surgeon removes the spleen and, if necessary, lymph nodes
Learn about other treatment options for CLL