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Sickle Cell Disease

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Surgery

There is no surgical cure for sickle cell disease.

Some sickle cell disease complications are treated by surgery. These surgeries involve:

Removing the spleen (splenectomy), to prevent the trapping of too many red blood cells in the spleen (splenic sequestration).
Removing the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), to prevent problems caused by gallstones.
Draining fluid from the penis in cases of severe priapism.
Hip replacement, if the tissue in the hip breaks down and dies because it doesn't get enough blood (osteonecrosis).

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 09, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.