Santa Monica Treatment for Spleen Diseases
The spleen is an important part of the immune system, filtering the blood and managing red and white blood cells to protect the body from infection. When the spleen is compromised by injury or disease, the immune system may be impaired. Dr. Danny Shouhed is a board certified general and gastrointestinal surgeon in Santa Monica. Treatment for spleen diseases is available at his practice, including non-surgical procedures and splenectomies.
Spleen diseases include various conditions that can cause the spleen to become either too efficient in storing or filtering blood cells, or deficient in performing its duties. Spleen disorders include ITP, hypersplenism, splenomegaly and spherocytosis. The symptoms of spleen disorders vary depending on the type of disease, but can include excessive bleeding, fatigue, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. Some disorders may cause enlargement of the spleen, which can put pressure on other organs in the abdominal cavity and increase the risk of rupture. Some of the causes of spleen diseases and disorders include:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Severe bacteria or viral infections
- Chronic liver disease
- Parasitic infections
- Cancer
- Spherocytosis
Many spleen disorders are caused by too much stress on the spleen to support the immune system. When it becomes enlarged, it is at risk for rupture, which can be life-threatening.
Spleen Disorder Treatment and Splenectomy
There are non-surgical treatments for spleen disorders that can be effective in reducing enlargement and other spleen symptoms. However, in some cases, removing the spleen through a splenectomy is the best option. It is possible to live a healthy life without a spleen. If the spleen is no longer functioning correctly or causing other health problems, it may be better to remove the spleen.
Dr. Shouhed is a highly experienced and board certified gastrointestinal surgeon who specializes in spleen disease treatment. If necessary, Dr. Shouhed can perform a minimally-invasive splenectomy to resolve health issues caused by certain spleen diseases.
If you are experiencing health problems from a spleen condition and live in Santa Monica, treatment is available through Danny Shouhed, M.D. Contact our office to schedule an appointment to discuss the treatment options available.