What Is Wandering Spleen?
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
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Wandering Spleen
Displaced Spleen; Drifting Spleen; Floating Spleen; Splenic Ptosis; Splenoptosis
Wandering spleen is a rare condition that occurs when the spleen lacks one or more of the ligments that hold the spleen in its normal position in the upper left abdomen.
A still from a 3D medical animation showing location and shape of the spleen below the left diaphram.
Image by Scientific Animations, Inc.
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
Because wandering spleen can cause life-threatening complications (such as splenic infarction, portal hypertension, and hemorrhage), surgery to remove the spleen is the preferred treatment method for patients. Laparoscopic splenectomy is the typical method used for spleen removal. Splenopexy (surgically fixing the floating spleen) is associated with a high risk of recurrence and complications and is not the preferred treatment choice.
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
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