Which hematologic disorders are benefited by splenectomy?
Which hematologic disorders are benefited by splenectomy?
Patients with various hematologic disorders may benefit from splenectomy. Splenomegaly (see the image below) is observed in conditions such as idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and hereditary spherocytosis.
What are the effects of splenectomy in your immune system?
Splenectomized patients have been shown to have low concentrations of IgM, decreased production of antibodies directed against pneumococci and Escherichia coli, and several defects in cellular immune function, including decreased numbers of T cells and a reduction in lymphocyte proliferative responses.
What is the most common complication of 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 are the side effects of splenectomy?
When should I call my healthcare provider if I’ve had a splenectomy?
- Ongoing fever over 101 °F (38.5 °C).
- Chills.
- Swelling in your abdomen.
- Pus/drainage from your incisions.
- Redness around your incision that is worsening or getting larger.
- Cough or shortness of breath.
- Bleeding.
- Nausea and vomiting.
What is the most common indication for splenectomy?
Your doctor may recommend splenectomy if you have one of the following:
- Ruptured spleen. If your spleen ruptures due to a severe abdominal injury or because of an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), the result may be life-threatening, internal bleeding.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Blood disorder.
- Cancer.
- Infection.
- Cyst or tumor.
Do you lose weight after a splenectomy?
Because of its location right next to the stomach, an enlarged spleen can press on the stomach. This can make someone feel not hungry, or they may get full after just a small amount of food. This can lead to weight loss.