Post-splenectomy complications

Splenectomy - post-surgery syndrome; Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection; OPSI; Splenectomy - reactive thrombocytosis

Spleen

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Definition

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

Possible Complications

Possible long-term medical problems include:

References

Nassar AK, Hawn M. The spleen. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 57.

Ollila TA, Zayac AS, Schiffman FJ. The spleen and its disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Salama ME, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 156.

Shah AA, Zuberi MK, Cornwell EE. Injured spleen. In: Cameron AM, Cameron JL, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:1320-1326.

GO

Review Date: 2/3/2025

Reviewed 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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