What can I expect after my spleen is removed?

After a splenectomy, you are likely to have pain for several days. You may also feel like you have influenza (flu). You may have a low fever and feel tired and nauseated. This is common.

How does having no spleen affect you?

Someone without a spleen is at increased risk of severe, or even deadly, infections from these encapsulated bacteria. Fortunately, vaccines significantly decrease the risk of these infections, and are available against the most common types (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, and Neisseria meningitidis).

How long can you live after splenectomy?

One patient died within a month of the operation due to secondary intra-abdominal infection. The mean age of the patients at splenectomy was 56 years and the mean duration of their disease 2.4 years. The median actuarial survival after operation was 51 months.

What are the consequences of post op splenectomy?

Infections, particularly pulmonary and abdominal sepsis, constitute the majority of the complications. The mortality rate from postoperative sepsis is substantial. Atelectasis, pancreatitis/fistula, pulmonary embolism and bleeding at the operative site are also relatively common occurrences following splenic removal.

What is the most common early complication after open splenectomy?

These are reported with both open and laparoscopic splenectomy. Early postoperative complications include pulmonary complications (atelectasis to pneumonia), subphrenic abscess, ileus, portal vein thrombosis, thrombocytosis, thrombotic complications, and wound complications (hematomas, seromas, and wound infections).

What happens to red blood cells after splenectomy?

In addition, the splenectomy may result in a slight increase in the production of platelets within the bone marrow. Normally, erythrocytes are stored and removed from the circulating blood by the spleen, including the removal of damaged erythrocytes.

Is having no immune system a disability?

The Social Security Administration lists immune deficiency disorders under qualifying impairments in the SSA’s Blue Book. If you are disabled because of an immune deficiency disorder, you may qualify for Social Security benefits (SSDI).