| Now it's time to talk about the actual procedure your doctor has recommended for you.
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On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown. |
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You may receive a sedative by mouth and |
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an intravenous line may be put in. |
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You will then be transferred to the operating table. |
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In the operating room, a nurse will begin preparation by clipping or shaving the abdomen. |
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The anesthesiologist will begin to administer anesthesia - most probably general anesthesia. |
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The surgeon will then apply antiseptic solution to the skin around the area where the incisions will be made, |
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... place a sterile drape around the operative site. |
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After allowing a few minutes for the anesthetic to take effect ... |
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a small incision is made above the umbilicus; |
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then, a hollow needle will be inserted through the abdominal wall. |
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And the abdomen will be inflated with carbon dioxide. |
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An umbilical port is created for the laparoscope. |
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One or more incisions will be made, with care taken to keep the openings as small as possible. |
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Once in place, the laparoscope will provide video images, |
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that allow the surgeon to carefully cut the ligaments that connect the spleen to the diaphragm as well as the spleen to the colon. |
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Now the doctor can gently pull the liver aside... |
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then pull back the stomach to reveal the spleen. |
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All remaining tissue between the spleen and the stomach including small blood vessels, as well as the spleen and diaphragm are cut. |
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The main vessels that supply blood to the spleen - the splenic artery and the splenic vein are closed off and cut. |
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Finally, the spleen is maneuvered into a special retrieval bag where it is broken into smaller pieces... |
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and removed through one of the laparoscopic working ports. |
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All of the instruments are withdrawn... |
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the carbon dioxide is allowed to escape... |
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and the skin is closed with sutures or staples. |
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Finally, sterile dressings are applied. |
