THE SPLEEN- LESSER KNOWN ORGAN

The spleen, though often overlooked due to its limited digestive role, is a crucial organ for overall health, especially for protecting the body from infections and keeping the blood healthy Below is a detailed, reader-friendly guide about the spleen’s anatomy, functions, diseases, and treatments available in India.

Anatomy of the Spleen

The spleen is a small, fist-sized organ situated in the upper left part of the abdomen, just under the ribs It is covered by a flexible capsule, which allows it to expand when needed Its surface faces and fits neatly under the left diaphragm and touches nearby organs like the stomach, kidney, and the colon The spleen is held in place by ligaments connecting it to these organs Inside, there are two main parts:

White pulp:** Contains clusters of immune cells that fight infections.

Red pulp:** Mainly filters the blood and removes damaged or old blood cells[5].

Vital Functions

Despite having little involvement in digestion, the spleen performs several life-saving roles

-Blood filter:** Removes old, damaged, or malformed red blood cells, keeping blood quality high

Iron recycling:** The spleen saves useful components (like iron) from old cells and returns them to the bone marrow to make new red cells

Blood reservoir:** It stores extra blood and can release it in emergencies, such as sudden blood loss

Immune defense:** Helps detect and attack germs in the bloodstream by producing white blood cells and antibodies This function is essential for fighting everyday infections

Spleen Diseases

Various conditions can affect the spleen, the most common being:

- **Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen):** Caused by infections (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis), liver diseases, cancers, and blood disorders

- Ruptured Spleen:** Often due to injury or trauma; can be life-threatening from internal bleeding

-Autoimmune diseases:** Such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, where the body destroys its own blood cells, causing the spleen to work abnormally

-Spleen cancers:** Lymphomas and leukemias affecting spleen tissue

-Hypersplenism:** An overactive spleen removes too many blood cells, leading to anemia, increased risk of infections, or bleeding problem

Symptoms of Spleen Problems

Signs to watch for include

- Abdominal pain or fullness on the left sid

- Fatigue and weakness (due to anemia)

- Frequent infections

- Easy bruising or bleeding

Treatment Options in India

Treatment depends on the underlying disease:

Medication:** Antibiotics for infections, medication for liver problems, or drugs to manage autoimmune issues

Surgery—Splenectomy:** If the spleen is severely diseased, ruptured, or enlarged, removal may be recommended. Splenectomy can be performed as open surgery or by minimally invasive laparoscopy, available at leading hospitals across India such as Medanta, Apollo, Artemis, and others. After spleen removal, doctors usually give specialized vaccinations and preventive antibiotics to guard against infection.

- ther therapies:** In certain cases, embolization (blocking the blood flow) or chemotherapy may be used, especially for cancers and blood disorder

 Living Without a Spleen

People can live without a spleen, but the risk of severe infections increases. Ongoing care includes regular vaccinations and prompt treatment of any infection

Conclusion

The spleen’s value lies beyond digestion; it powerfully supports immunity, maintains healthy blood, and responds to emergencies Modern medicine in India offers effective treatment options for spleen-related conditions, ranging from medication to advanced surgical procedures Recognizing spleen problems early and seeking medical advice can help ensure a healthy life.