Spleen problems and spleen removal

Spleen problems and spleen removal | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Stomach, liver and gastrointestinal tract Spleen problems and spleen removal Spleen problems and spleen removal Some people are born without a spleen or need to have it removed because of disease or injury. The spleen is a fist-sized organ foundin the upper left side of your abdomen, next to your stomach and behind your left ribs. Its animportant part of your immune system but you can survive without it. This is because the liver can take over many of the spleens functions. What does the spleen do? The spleen has a few important functions. It fights any invading germs in the blood (the spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells). It controls the level of blood cells. The spleen controls the level of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets (small cells that form blood clots). It screens the blood and removes any old or damaged red blood cells. If the spleen doesnt work properly, it may start to remove healthy blood cells. Thiscan lead to: anaemia , from a reduced number of red blood cells an increased risk of infection, from a reduced number of white blood cells bleeding or bruising, from a reduced number of platelets Spleen problems Spleen pain Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs. It may be tender when you touch the area.This can be a sign of a damaged, ruptured or enlarged spleen. A damaged or ruptured spleen The spleen can become damaged or may rupture (burst) after a forceful blow to the abdomen,car accident, sporting accident or fractureto the ribs. Rupture can happen straight away or it may happen weeks after the injury. Signs of a ruptured spleen are: pain behind your left ribs and tenderness when you touch this area dizziness and a rapid heart rate (a sign of low blood pressure caused by blood loss) Sometimes, if you lie down and raise your legs, the pain can be felt at the tip of your left shoulder. A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency, as it can cause life-threatening bleeding. Go straight to A&E if: you think youve ruptured or damaged your spleen Enlarged spleen The spleen can become swollen after an infection or injury. It can also become enlarged as a result of a disease such as cirrhosis , leukaemia or rheumatoid arthritis . An enlarged spleen doesnt always cause symptoms. Otherwise, look out for: feeling full very quickly after eating (an enlarged spleen can press on the stomach) feeling discomfort or pain behind your left ribs anaemia and/or fatigue frequent infections easy bleeding Doctors can often tell if you have an enlarged spleen by feeling your abdomen. A blood test, CT scan or MRI scan would confirm the diagnosis. The spleen is not usually removed if its just enlarged. Instead, youll receive treatment for any underlying condition and your spleen will be monitored. Antibiotics may be prescribed if theres an infection. Youll need to avoid contact sports for a while, as youll be at greater risk of rupturing the spleen while it is enlarged. Surgery is only necessary if the enlarged spleen is causing serious complications or if the cause cant be found. Splenectomy (having the spleen removed) An operation to remove the spleen, known as a splenectomy, may be needed if the spleen is damaged, diseased or enlarged. It may sometimes be more appropriate to have just part of your spleen removed a partial splenectomy. If theres time, youll be advised to have a series of immunisations before the operation. Laparoscopy Most splenectomies are carried out using laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). A laparoscope is long, thin, flexible instrument withits own light source. It is attached to a camera andwill relay high definition, magnified pictures back to a TV screen to guide the surgeons instruments. Laparoscopic splenectomy allows a surgeon to access the inside of your abdomen without having to make large incisions (cuts) in your skin. However, you will still need a general anaesthetic. The procedure involves: making several incisions in your abdomen (tummy area) guiding a laparoscope into your body through one of the incisions, so doctors can see what theyre doing passing thin instruments into your abdomen through the other incisions, to remove your spleen  gas will be pumped into your abdomento make this easier The incisions will then be stitched up or sometimes glued together.You may be able to go home the same day, or may need to stay in hospital overnight. If you go home the same day, someone will need to stay with you for the first 24 hours. Open surgery Open surgery, where one large incision is made, may be needed if the spleen is too large or too damaged to be removed via keyhole surgery.Often, in emergencies, this will be the preferred method to rapidly control bleeding. Youll need a general anaesthetic and may need to stay in hospital for a few days to recover. Afterwards Its normal to feel sore and be bruised after a splenectomy, but youll be given pain relief medication. You should be able to eat and drink as normal soon after the operation. Like any operation, a splenectomy carries a small risk of complications, including bleeding and infection. Your doctor will run through these risks with you. You should be given breathing and leg movement exercises to doat home, to reduce your risk of getting a blood clot or a chest infection. Another risk is the surgical wound becoming infected. If you spot any signs of infection, contact your GP or hospital immediately, as youmay need antibiotics. Recovery usually takes a few weeks. Your doctor or nurse will advise when you can go back to your usual activities, such as driving. Living without a spleen If your spleen needs to be removed, other organs such as the liver can take over many of the spleens functions. This meansyou will still be able to cope with most infections. However, there is a small risk that a serious infection may develop quickly.This risk will be present for the rest of your life. Risk of infection Young children have a higher risk of serious infection than adults, but the risk is still small. The risk is also increased if you have a medical condition such as sickle cell anaemia , coeliac disease or a condition that affects your immune system, such as HIV . This risk can be minimised by following simple precautions to prevent infection. Vaccinations Read about vaccinations for children and adults without a fully working spleen. Antibiotics Its recommended that you take low-dose antibiotics for the rest of your life to prevent bacterial infections. Antibiotics are particularly important: for children under the age of 16 for the first 2 years after your spleen is removed if your immune system doesnt work properly Be alert for signs of infection Watch out for signs of infection, such as: high temperature (fever) sore throat cough severe headache headache with drowsiness or a rash abdominal pain redness and swelling around the surgical wound Your GP can prescribe a course of antibiotics for you to use if you get an infection. You should start taking them at the first sign of an infection, so see your GP as soon as possible. If your infection becomes serious, you will be admitted to hospital. Animal and tick bites Bites from animals and ticks (small blood-sucking parasites) can cause infections. If you get bitten by an animal, particularly a dog, start your course of antibiotics and seek medical advice urgently. If you go trekking or camping regularly, you may be at risk of babesiosis, which is a rare disease transmitted by ticks. Try to avoid tick bites by wearing clothes that cover your skin, particularly long trousers. If you become ill, get medical advice straight away. Telling medical staff about your condition Healthcare professionals will mark your health records to show that you dont have a working spleen. However, always remember to tell any medical professionals that you see, including your dentist. Carry medical ID Its a good idea to carry or wear some medical ID. For example: if your spleen is removed, the hospital may give you a splenectomy card to take home with you you may want to buy your own medical ID, such as a MedicAlert or Medi-Tag bracelet or pendant If you need help or emergency treatment, your medical ID will alert the staff to your condition. Travel abroad Read advice about travelling abroad without a fully working spleen. Scars The scars from your operation will gradually fade. Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 29 May 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Children and adults without a fully working spleen (Asplenia) NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852