Splenolysis is a medical term that refers to the destruction or breakdown of the spleen. The word is pronounced /spliːˈnɒlɪsɪs/ (S-PL-IH-N-OW-L-IH-S-IH-S) and is spelled with the letters "s-p-l-e-n-o-l-y-s-i-s". The first syllable "splen" is pronounced with a long "e" sound, followed by "o" and "l". The suffix "-lysis" refers to the process of breaking down and is commonly used in medical terminology. Splenolysis may occur naturally or as a result of injury or disease.
Splenolysis is a medical term that refers to the surgical procedure or process of removing or dissecting the spleen. It is derived from the combination of two words, "spleno," which refers to the spleen, and "lysis," which means to break down or remove.
The spleen is an organ located in the upper-left part of the abdomen, responsible for filtering the blood, producing white blood cells, and storing red blood cells. However, in certain medical conditions, such as traumatic injury, congestion, or disorders like splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), splenolysis may be necessary.
During a splenolysis procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdominal area and carefully dissects the surrounding tissues to gain access to the spleen. The surgeon then removes the spleen either partially or in its entirety, depending on the specific condition and the patient's needs.
Splenolysis is typically performed to address various conditions, including severe trauma to the spleen resulting from accidents, tumors or cysts affecting the spleen, or conditions that compromise the spleen's function, such as autoimmune disorders or hematologic diseases. It can also be used as a treatment option for certain types of blood disorders or malignancies.
After a splenolysis, patients may experience a period of recovery and will likely be closely monitored for any potential complications, as the spleen plays a crucial role in immune function and filtering blood. Additional medical interventions, such as vaccinations or medication, may be necessary to support the patient's immune system post-splenolysis.
Destruction of the splenic tissue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "splenolysis" is derived from two Greek words:
1. "Splēn" (σπλήν): This word refers to the spleen, which is an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen.
2. "Lysis" (λύσις): This word means "dissolution", "breakdown", or "splitting" in Greek.
When combined, "splenolysis" literally means the breakdown or dissolution of the spleen. In a medical context, it may specifically refer to a surgical procedure or treatment aimed at removing or reducing the size of the spleen.