Splenectomy Side Effects
The human spleen is approximately the size of a fist and resides in the upper-left quadrant of the abdomen. Researchers have discovered that the main purpose of the spleen is to remove bacteria and worn out blood cells from the lymphatic system, as well as store healthy blood cells for later use. If the spleen becomes diseased or ruptures during an injury, a splenectomy may need to be performed.
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What Is a Splenectomy?
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A splenectomy is the full or partial surgical removal of the diseased spleen. According to Drugs.com, a splenectomy is performed under anesthesia as an open procedure or laparoscopic procedure that is less invasive and involves a small camera.
The Liver
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Hepatitis Central explains that after a splenectomy, other members of the lymphatic system take over the responsibilities of the missing spleen. Usually, the liver does most of the work but can potentially fall short when it comes to filtering bacteria.
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Bacterial Infection
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After a splenectomy there is an increased chance of acquiring a serious bacterial infection known as sepsis. This is especially true in the case of young children and the elderly. Surgery.com reports that the body is unable to completely clear bacterium that is present in the blood without the help of the spleen. This reality makes it necessary to treat some individuals with a two-year course of antibiotics.
Pancreatitis
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In the book "Essentials of General Surgery," authors Peter F. Lawrence, Richard M. Bell, Merril T. Dayton reveal that approximately 1 percent to 3 percent of patients who undergo a splenectomy end up with some kind of injury to the pancreas. The injured tissue can result in swelling and a condition known as pancreatitis. Pancreatitis usually causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and pulmonary problems. Pancreatitis often presents itself within four to five days after a splenectomy and must be treated immediately by a physician.
Lung Collapse
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According to the Free Dictionary by Farlex, lung collapse is a side effect of a splenectomy. In fact, if the lung becomes ruptured during surgery, air can leak, resulting in a condition known as pneumothorax. When this happens the wall of the lung is usually repaired, the lungs are re-inflated with a tube-like device and normal breathing is resumed.
Hemorrhage
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The possibility of the spleen either hemorrhaging before or after a splenectomy is a matter of great concern. Sometimes a ruptured spleen is the cause of the hemorrhaging, other times it can happen during the surgical procedure---with very serious side effects. In order to prevent this from happening, Spleen Surgery Info explains that the surgeon will either clip or perform a cauterization to the arteries and blood vessels that extend to and from the spleen.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jurek Durczak
