General Surgery
Splenectomy
| Laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove the spleen. |
The spleen is an organ located in the upper left portion of the abdomen, behind the stomach. Its functions are to filter blood, remove bacteria, make blood and store blood.
Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision. The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera which projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors located in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area. Two or three additional small incisions are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon inserts specialized instruments. The surgeon uses these instruments to remove the spleen. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape. After a few months, they are barely visible.
Physicians that perform this procedure
For your convenience, Presbyterian Healthcare is providing you the list of all surgeons who perform this procedure and have requested to be listed on this site. When making your selection, we encourage you to meet with the surgeon and inquire about training, number of procedures performed, etc. Its important that you choose the surgeon who makes you most comfortable. These physicians are independent practitioners and not employees of Presbyterian Healthcare.
- Bryan D. Blitstien, MD - General Surgery
- J. Andrew Bohn, MD - General Surgery
- Charles F. Collin, MD - General Surgery
- E. Craig Evans, MD - General Surgery
- Winston Y. Godwin, MD - General Surgery
- Harold P. Hope, MD - General Surgery
- Obinna C. Igwilo, MD - General Surgery
- Michael G. Melkonian, MD- General Surgery
- Robert C. Monson, MD- General Surgery
- Paul J. Orland, MD- General Surgery
- Lovetta Pugh, MD - General Surgery
- David C. Voellinger, MD - General Surgery
- Leslie T. Webster, III, MD - General Surgery












