A splenectomy is a surgical procedure that partially or completely removes the spleen, an organ important to immune function because of its role in destroying certain encapsulated bacteria. Common indications for the procedure include trauma to the spleen, tumors, an enlarged spleen and hematological diseases such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. Because the spleen plays a significant immunological role, its removal carries the risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection, a rapidly fatal medical emergency that can follow when the body's immune system can no longer properly fight infection after splenectomy or in the congenital absence of a spleen.
Facts
Origin YearSourced to the subject's own account FAQs
How does having the spleen removed change the risk of infection, and what is done about it?
After the spleen is removed a person is more likely to develop infections, so vaccinations are usually given beforehand and children may take preventive antibiotics.
MedlinePlus, the US National Library of Medicine's health encyclopedia, states that after the spleen is removed a person is more likely to develop infections. The spleen helps the body fight germs and infections and also helps filter the blood. Because of this, people preparing for the operation may be given immunizations such as the pneumococcal, meningococcal, Haemophilus influenzae, flu and COVID-19 vaccines beforehand. MedlinePlus adds that children are at higher risk of infection after splenectomy than adults, that children may need antibiotics to prevent infections, and that most adults do not need antibiotics long term.
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Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
2. Splenectomy (Wikipedia)
WikipediaHistory section
The first successful splenectomy was performed in 1893 by Oskar Riegner of Breslau.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splenectomy, lead section
A splenectomy is the surgical procedure that partially or completely removes the spleen.
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