A splenectomy is a surgical procedure during which your spleen is removed. A splenectomy is performed if your spleen is ruptured, infected, contains a tumor or because of certain blood disorders. A splenectomy is performed under general anesthesia. A splenectomy may be performed laporoscopically or through an incision.
Step 1
Rest. The first few days after a splenectomy, regardless of whether the procedure was conducted laporoscopically or not, should be spent resting. This will give the surgical incision, laporoscopic incisions and abdominal muscles time to heal. The rest time for a laporoscopic procedure is usually much shorter than a procedure with an incision.
Step 2
Resume light activity. After consulting with your physician, you may resume light exercises such as walking, light resistance exercise biking and very lightweight dumbbell exercises. Make sure during all exercises that you keep your spine neutral. Keeping your spine neutral engages the muscles of your abdomen and lower back.
Step 3
Resume abdominal exercises such as crunches, sit ups and leg raises, six to eight weeks after a splenectomy. This will give your abdominal wall time to repair itself from surgical trauma.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Health: Splenectomy
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Edition"; Lawrence Madoff, James Macguire, Kenneth Brandt, Bruce Gillaind, Scott Thaier; 2005
- "Exercise and Health"; Prof. T. A. Asmangulyan; 1997
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