My daughter has a blood disorder (hereditary spherocytosis) that requires her to have her spleen removed when she is five-years-old. I worry about the life-long complications as a result of this.
2007-02-19 09:33:51 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
No. Splenectomy is generally reserved for those with warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In this, the most common of the hemolytic anemias, antibodies are made against red blood cells, making them appear abnormal to the spleen. The spleen then clears them from the blood and destroys them. Removal of the spleen in this situation often returns the blood count to near-normal. About 60 percent of individuals with warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia will have a long-term elimination of the disease. Cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria and drug-induced hemolytic anemia do not usually respond to surgery. Therefore, splenectomy is rarely advocated in the treatment of those diseases.
Splenectomy is rarely required for people with sickle cell disease because the spleen shrinks during the course of the disease. The abnormal shape of sickled red blood cells causes them to get stuck in small blood vessels. This stops the delivery of oxygen to and removal of wastes from tissues, including the spleen. The spleen is especially at risk and usually scars to the point that it no longer functions.
2007-02-19 09:44:46 · answer #1 · answered by msjerge 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are some life long problems that she will have to deal with, but i dont know anything about the disorder that she has, so it may or may not be worth it. the spleen is our body's defence system in regards to infection.
she should be immunised before the splenectomy, due to the increased chance of developing sepsis from an infection after the operation. there will be long term antibiotic treatment needed for her.
there is also a higher risk of blood clots.
any patient that has a splenectomy should seek medical attention for even minor illnesses (ie. sore throat, sinus). Recovery should be fairly quick.
2007-02-19 17:51:11 · answer #2 · answered by Minerva 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My whole family with the exception of myself has this disorder. Everyone has had their spleen removed and most have had their gallbladders removed. The most important thing to remember is to stay vaccinated (i.e. flu shots, pneumovac shots). Those types of vaccines are crucial when you no longer have a spleen. Also make sure she has some sort of medical bracelet or I.D. that states that she has had her spleen removed. My cousin is struggling with the same problem right now, her little girl is 7 and her boy is 5. They both have the same blood disorder. It seems to be easier to manage if the spleen is removed at an earlier age. It tends to lead to more health complications when left untreated. (Hope this helps. I know it is a tough decision. I will keep you in my prayers.)
2007-02-19 17:52:30 · answer #3 · answered by jamiebrekelly 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be doing research on google not on this ridiculous site which is mostly made up of teenagers. No one here will be able to help you get the answers you really need. ask.com or google medicine.com ask questions from real doctors. or look up splenectomy and long lasting side effects
2007-02-19 17:45:56 · answer #4 · answered by katie d 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋