Learn About Post-Splenectomy Syndrome
Post-splenectomy complications can occur after surgery to remove the spleen. Complications may include:
- Blood clots
- Destruction of red blood cells
- Increased risk for severe infections from encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis
- Thrombocytosis (increased platelet count, which can increase the risk of blood clots)
- Increased red and white blood cell counts
Splenectomy - post-surgery syndrome; Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection; OPSI; Splenectomy - reactive thrombocytosis
Possible long-term medical problems include:
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Pulmonary hypertension (a disease affecting the blood vessels in your lungs)
Austin Health
Sarah Luu practices in Melbourne, Australia. Ms. Luu is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Post-Splenectomy Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Post-Splenectomy Syndrome, Sepsis, and Splenectomy.
Johannes Camp practices in Freiburg, Germany. Mr. Camp is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Post-Splenectomy Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Post-Splenectomy Syndrome, Sepsis, Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis, Heterotaxy Syndrome, and Splenectomy.
Duke Signature Care South Durham
Brian Wolf is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Wolf is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Post-Splenectomy Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Post-Splenectomy Syndrome, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Familial Hypertension, and Hypertension. Dr. Wolf is currently accepting new patients.
Summary: The spleen is involved in maintaining immunity and plays an important role in the elimination of encapsulated bacteria and parasites. Patients who undergo splenectomy in conjunction with complete CRS for peritoneal malignancy are at risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infections post-operatively. These patients are therefore administered vaccinations to lower the risk of infections but as they d...
Published Date: February 03, 2025
Published By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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