HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Sickle Cell Disease
Surgery
Some sickle cell complications are treated with surgery. Surgery options include:
- Removal of the Reference spleen Opens New Window (Reference splenectomy), to prevent the trapping of too many red blood cells in the spleen (Reference splenic sequestration).
- Removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), to prevent problems caused by Reference gallstones Opens New Window.
- Draining fluid from the penis in cases of severe Reference priapism Opens New Window.
- Hip replacement, if the tissue in the hip breaks down and dies because it doesn't get enough blood (Reference osteonecrosis Opens New Window).
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 1, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Martin Steinberg, MD - Hematology |
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