Spleen Surgery
You may need an operation to remove your spleen, known as a splenectomy, if it's not working properly or it's damaged, diseased or enlarged.
Spleen functions
It's an important part of your immune system, but you can survive without it. This is because the liver can take over many of the spleen's functions.
The spleen has some important functions:
it fights invading germs in the blood (the spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells)
it controls the level of blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets)
it filters the blood and removes any old or damaged red blood cells
Indications for spleen removal
There are several reasons that your doctor may recommend that you have your spleen removed. These include having:
a spleen that’s damaged from injury
certain rare blood disorders e.g. idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura
cancer or large cysts of the spleen
Abscess
Before the surgery
Because the spleen has important immune function, you will require immunisation prior to the surgery. These vaccinations are funded by the Australian Government and are free for people without a functioning spleen. This includes vaccinations which are required before your planned splenectomy.
These are:
Pneumococcal
Meningococcal
Haemophilus influenzae type b
Annual influenza vaccine
Surgery
This is performed via keyhole surgery (laparoscopic). Keyhole spleen removal allows a surgeon to get inside your tummy (abdomen) to your spleen without having to make large cuts. This means you’ll have less scarring and may recover from the operation more quickly. But you will still need a general anaesthetic.
What is the recovery from spleen removal surgery?
It is normal to feel sore and be bruised after a splenectomy, but you'll be given pain relief. You should be able to eat and drink as normal soon after the operation. Like any operation, spleen removal carries a small risk of complications, including bleeding and infection. Your surgeon will talk through these risks with you.
You should be given breathing and leg exercises to do at home to reduce your risk of getting a blood clot or a chest infection. Another risk is the surgical wound becoming infected. If you spot any signs of infection, contact your surgeon or GP immediately, as you may need antibiotics.
Recovery usually takes 1 week. Your surgeon or nurse will advise when you can go back to your usual activities, such as driving.
Living without a spleen
If your spleen needs to be removed, other organs, such as the liver, can take over many of the spleen's functions. This means you'll still be able to cope with most infections. But there is a small risk that a serious infection may develop quickly. This risk will be present for the rest of your life. Young children and the elderly have a higher risk of serious infection than adults, but the risk is still small.
This risk can be minimised by following simple precautions to prevent infection:
Vaccinations
Antibiotics (for at least 3 years after the surgery)
Be alert for signs of infection
Tell medical staff about your spleen problems
Register with Spleen Australia and carry medical ID
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