Cholelithiasis and splenomegaly are two conditions with shared underlying causes. Cholelithiasis is caused by gallstones in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile produced by the liver. Risk factors include age over 40, obesity, rapid weight loss, certain medications, and a family history of gallstones. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen, an organ in the upper left abdomen that plays a role in the immune system and blood filtration. Symptoms include left upper abdominal pain, fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bleeding. Diagnosis of cholelithiasis involves abdominal ultrasound and blood tests, while splenomegaly is detected during a physical exam. Further diagnostic tests may include blood tests, imaging studies, and bone marrow biopsy.
Laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy are minimally invasive surgical procedures used to remove the spleen and gallbladder. These procedures can be performed together laparoscopically when a patient presents with both splenomegaly and cholelithiasis. The laparoscopic approach allows surgeons to address both conditions efficiently through the same set of small incisions, offering several benefits such as reduced pain and scarring, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications. However, the suitability of the laparoscopic approach depends on factors such as the size of the spleen, the patient’s overall health, and previous abdominal surgeries.
Mr. Biswanath Nandy from West Bengal successfully underwent Laparoscopic Splenectomy & Cholecystectomy and also treatment for Thalessemia at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. Vijay Kumar C Bada, Sr. Consultant Surgical Gastroenterology, HPB, Bariatric & Robotic Sciences, Clinical Director.