spleen removed?

Question

If someone were to be immunosuppressed (after a organ transplant) and had to have the spleen removed, what would the impact be on the persons life? As in, would it be worse in the long term, would it make the person a higher risk even more.
Are there any long term complications?
Serious answers only please.

Answer 1

I can only tell you my personal experience. My mom had a liver transplant 10 years ago. While in the hospital recovering, she also had her spleen removed. She had no complications and is in wonderful health today. Everyone is different, though, so I would definitely talk to a doctor.

And reading the response above mine that the person can't eat protein....that isn't true. My mom eats steaks, chicken, hamburgers, etc. She is able to eat everything a "normal" person can eat.

Answer 2

The spleen removes abnormal blood components, stores recycled iron from old red blood cells, and initiates the immune response against some foreign pathogens that are in the blood. The spleen functions as a very large lymph node (Martini, 2006).

In many cases, living without a spleen, or a non-functional spleen (hyposplenism) is not much of a problem in many cases, but the individual is more susceptible to pneumococcal bacterial infections like Streptococcus pneumoniae and S. pneumoniae (Martini, 2006).

It is hard to say how it can affect the individual, but precautions should be taken to avoid situation where there is a chance of a respiratory infection. As well, it may be a good idea to keep up on your immunisations, since being immuno-suppressed will make it easier to become infected by a micro-organism.

Try taliking to your HCP they may know about the smaller details that will apply to the individual.

Answer 3

I'm currently seeing a hospital consultant about problems I have with a low platelet count, and recently had an abdominal scan, specifically around the spleen. I've been told at my hospital we can live perfectly normal lives without a spleen, although taking pills would probably be required. There is however a possibility that if this were the case the individual could be slightly more susceptible to flu and the like. Roll on 10th Jan when i should know more.

Answer 4

The spleen has nothing to do with digestion. It is a lymphatic organ that filters and stores blood. It is also the first organ that removes old red blood cells from circulation. A normal red blood cell only lives an average of 120 days. In the case of a missing spleen, then the liver takes over the job of removing the red blood cells from circulating blood. A person who has had a splenectomy will have a higher percentage of older red cells in circulating blood, and I have been told that it can reduce a persons life span.

Answer 5

I strongly advise that you search a second, and if vital, 1/3 certified medical opinion. Correct now there may be no one who is aware of the intent including your healthcare professional. The time concerned used to be about three weeks the first time and then four weeks the 2nd time. This fluid needs to be coming from someplace and cure from the surgery will have to be complete. Complications from surgical procedure can put doctors and hospitals into a state of denial PDQ. Insist on answers.

Answer 6

spleen helps in digesting solid protein taken in our digestive system. with no spleen, the person concerned should not eat any solid protein like meat, fish etc, it will cause trouble. Protein intake to take place only though medicine... the risk is that the person will have to depend on heavy medication all along

hope he becomes well soon

Answer 7

Check out www.wikipedia.com. It explains quite a bit. I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with digestion. The spleen stores blood and cleans out old red blood cells.

Answer 8

im not a doctor, but i know the spleen creates more white blood cells, so not having one means you are more prone to infections.

Answer 9

If the splenectomised indivdual needs immuno suppressive therapy nothing special is needed.