About the size of a fist, the spleen is located in the upper left part of the abdomen, just under the rib cage. The spleen helps filter the blood and helps to maintain the immune system.

Certain blood disorders can be treated with a splenectomy. Splenectomies have been used since 1913 to treat ITP (Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura)—excessive bleeding caused by an immune disorder that lowers blood platelet counts.

For more information on ITP, visit the Platelet Disorder Support Association's page on splenectomies.

Our surgeons can accomplish spleen removal with a laparoscopic approach.

This service is provided at Surgical Specialists (Mill Plain), Surgical Specialists (87th Ave.).