Spleen removal

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Red blood cells, target cells

Splenectomy

The outcome varies with the underlying disease or the extent of other injuries. Complete recovery from the surgery itself should be anticipated, in the absence of other severe injuries or medical problems.

All patients undergoing splenectomy should be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. Consult your physician regarding an appropriate vaccination regimen. In addition, some physicians recommend vaccinations against other types of bacteria, and, especially in the case of children, long-term treatment with antibiotic drugs to prevent post-splenectomy sepsis. Long-term antibiotic use is usually not necessary in adults.

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However, any patients who have had a splenectomy should seek medical attention for even seemingly minor illnesses, such as sinus infections or sore throats, as the health care provider may wish to prescribe antibiotics.

Recovery from the operation should be rapid. Hospitalization is usually less than a week (1-2 days for laparoscopic splenectomy), and complete healing should occur within 4 to 6 weeks.

Review Date: 06/07/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).