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Post-splenectomy syndrome
Splenectomy - post-surgery syndrome
Post-splenectomy syndrome can occur after surgery to remove the spleen. It consists of a group of symptoms and signs such as:
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Destruction of red blood cells
Destruction of red blood cells
Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Increased risk of severe infections, from bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis
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Thrombocytosis (increased
platelet count
, which can cause
blood clots
)
Platelet count
A platelet count is a lab test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets are parts of the blood that help the blood clot. The...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleBlood clots
Blood clots are clumps that occur when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid. A blood clot that forms inside one of your veins or arteries is calle...
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Possible Complications
Possible long-term medical problems include:
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Hardening of the arteries (
atherosclerosis
)
Atherosclerosis
Hardening of the arteries, also called atherosclerosis, occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries. These ...
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Pulmonary hypertension
(a disease affecting the blood vessels in your lungs)
Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder than normal.
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References
Connell NT, Shurin SB, Schiffman FJ. The spleen and its disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi J, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 162.
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Spleen - illustration
The spleen is an organ involved in the production and maintenance of red blood cells, the production of certain circulating white blood cells, as a part of the lymph system, and as a part of the immune system
Spleen
illustration
Review Date: 2/13/2015
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
