Is the spleen removed? How long does a person live after removal of the spleen? Importance of the spleen: consequences of removal for humans. A few words about the operation

The spleen is penetrated by a huge number of blood vessels. After ingestion, the blood is saturated with young leukocytes, which are responsible for the body’s immune defense. In addition, old blood elements, viruses and other foreign substances from the circulatory system are completely destroyed in the organ.

What happens in the body after the spleen is removed?

After surgery to remove the spleen, a number of changes occur in the body:

Weakening of the immune system.
Development of inflammatory reactions.
Changes in the blood formula - the concentration of proteins in the plasma decreases, as a result of which the phagocytic function suffers. A person becomes more susceptible to various bacterial infections. That is why in the first two years the risk of developing sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia and other dangerous conditions increases.
As platelet volume increases, the possibility of thromboembolism increases. To prevent such conditions, patients after splenectomy are prescribed blood thinners.
The number of leukocytes increases.

All these changes can be corrected with the help of medications. Over time, after rehabilitation, all indicators return to normal.

Features of life without a spleen

After surgery to remove the spleen, a rehabilitation period begins, which on average lasts one and a half to two months. In order to minimize the negative consequences for the body, it is necessary to adhere to certain recommendations:

Difficult and exhausting are prohibited physical exercise.
It is not recommended to take hot baths.
Exclude harmful products food, carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
Avoid contact with people suffering from viral and bacterial infections; it is not advisable to be in crowded places.
At the first symptoms of any disease, you should immediately consult a doctor - self-medication is prohibited.
During seasonal illnesses, it is recommended to take immunostimulants that increase the body's resistance.

A person without a spleen should pay special attention to nutrition, since there is a double burden on them. The diet should include easily digestible food. You should eat a balanced diet, often and in small portions.

The diet of a person who has had their spleen removed includes the following foods:

Fresh vegetables and fruits in large quantities.
Various cereals.
Lean boiled meat - chicken breast, turkey, beef.
Seafood.
Low-fat dairy and fermented milk products.

You need to drink at least one and a half liters of liquid per day. You can maintain normal bile flow with the help of choleretic drugs or herbs - I take them several times a year after consultation with a specialist.

Completely exclude from the diet:

Fatty, spicy and salty foods.
Dishes with a lot of seasonings.
Alcoholic drinks.
Coffee.
Sweets, pastries, pastries, cakes.
Smoked products.
Canned fish.
Fatty dairy products.
Salo.

A sufficient amount of proteins and carbohydrates should be supplied to the body daily. It is extremely important to eat more foods containing iron. The recommended cooking method is steaming, stewing or baking. Avoid flavorings, trans fats and harmful preservatives.

Lifespan

How long can you live after having your spleen removed? In fact, splenectomy is not a critical operation. As a rule, the prognosis for future life is favorable, provided that all recommendations and restrictions are followed. The quality and length of life directly depend on a person’s lifestyle.

The patient must be very attentive to his health. It is important to remember that after surgery it is important to maintain immunity, avoid contact with patients with infectious diseases, not self-medicate and consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Useful video on how to live without a spleen

The unexpected happened... Car sirens, flashing lights, people in white coats and the light of lamps in the operating room. I came to my senses and heard the diagnosis - you have been removed. Another case is planned. But it’s also a sad diagnosis; the doctor recommends a splenectomy. A whole list with tests, hospitalization, lamps, anesthesia, intensive care. The essence is the same - the spleen has been removed.

What kind of organ is this? What functions does it perform in the body? How to live further and what are the consequences, prognosis of the operation? The patient asks himself and the attending physician these questions. Let's try to understand this issue.

The spleen is located in the left hypochondrium between the 9th and 11th pairs of ribs.

The spleen has long been considered a secondary human organ. There was even an opinion that other organs should be protected, but this one is not a pity. This continued until its functions and structure were studied.

The spleen is full of blood vessels. Blood entering this organ receives a fresh portion of developing leukocytes - cells responsible for the body's immune defense.

In the spleen, the disposal of obsolete blood cells, viruses, and foreign particles that have entered the circulatory system occurs. In addition, the organ is responsible for hematopoiesis and blood coagulation processes.

Life after splenectomy. Immediate consequences and rules of conduct

Pain in the left hypochondrium after surgery should alert the patient.

All consequences are conventionally divided into immediate ones, which can occur immediately after the intervention or during the rehabilitation period, and long-term ones. In both cases, much depends on the patient’s behavior. Immediate consequences of splenectomy:

Infection of the wound surface
Injury to other organs and tissues
The appearance of blood clots or blood clots
at the site of insertion of instruments into the abdominal cavity
Changes in the blood formula. This complication may persist throughout life.
Sepsis
Liver and gastrointestinal dysfunction

All these pathologies are considered immediate and especially dangerous within 2 years after surgery. What should the patient be wary of during this period:

Severe pain in the operated area
Any signs of infection - pain, purulent discharge, fever, chills
Bleeding or any other discharge from the insertion site
Cough
, vomiting, other dyspeptic disorders
Shortness of breath

The occurrence of any of these symptoms is a reason for an urgent visit to the doctor. The following actions will help reduce the risk of developing immediate complications:

Laparoscopy is a gentle technique. But you must remember that you have had an organ removed. Therefore, no labor feats immediately after discharge.
Check with your doctor when you can shower or swim. Taking a hot bath is temporarily postponed as the risk of bleeding increases.
Don't get too cold. This is a situation where it is better to sweat than to freeze.
Do not drive for 1.5 months after surgery.
Do not visit places with large crowds of people. Your immunity is weakened, and any virus can develop into a serious one.
Do not take pain relievers that contain aspirin.
Don't lift heavy things Athletics also temporarily banned.
Take the medications prescribed by your doctor.
At any appointment, tell your doctor that your spleen has been removed.

Life after splenectomy. Long-term consequences

The consequence of removal of the spleen may be the development of pancreatitis.

Long-term consequences arise and develop throughout life after rehabilitation period.

Removing any organ causes a blow to the immune system, and during splenectomy it is the organ that is involved in the formation of our body’s defense that is removed. Long-term consequences of spleen resection:

Decreased immunity, and as a result, the risk of infection increases
Formation of blood clots in the liver vessels
Development
Pulmonary atelectasis - collapse or airlessness of the alveoli of the organ

The following recommendations can reduce the likelihood of developing long-term complications:

Vaccination against influenza in the autumn-winter period.
Avoid appearing in crowded places during epidemics. Do not stand in queues, do not travel on public transport, and, if possible, do not visit medical institutions.
Before traveling to exotic countries, be sure to get all recommended vaccinations.
Periodically undergo a preventive examination of the gastrointestinal tract, take urine and blood tests - general and liver tests.
Travel to countries where you can get malaria is not advisable.
Don't forget about personal hygiene. After visiting public institutions, be sure to wash your hands. This will save you from .
News healthy image life and eating right.
Do not use medications without a doctor's prescription or indications.
If you have a cold or other infectious diseases, consult a doctor immediately.

It's easy to follow these rules. And not only after splenectomy, but also for patients with a complete set of organs. And the risk of long-term complications will tend to zero.

Fatty and spicy foods should be removed from the diet after the spleen is removed.

Nature is smart. And if for some reason a person loses an organ, then other organs begin to perform part of its functions, thereby compensating for the deficiency. In the case of splenectomy, the body begins to be responsible for the immune defense of the body. lymphatic system And .

Therefore, it is important to adhere to a gentle diet. During the rehabilitation period, it is aimed at reducing the load on the liver, injured peritoneum and other organs. In the future, it is recommended to adhere to the principles healthy eating. The following should be removed from the diet:

Heavy and fatty dishes
Spicy seasonings and marinade
Fat meat
Dishes cooked in a large amount of fat, deep-fried
Fatty, rich bone broths and dishes based on them
Strong coffee and alcoholic drinks
Cigarettes and drugs

What can you eat after spleen removal:

Doctors recommend introducing a large amount of vegetables into your diet, both raw and cooked.
in any quantity – fresh and prepared
Liquid at the rate of 30 g per 1 kg of patient weight
Cereal dishes
Dairy and fermented milk products with a small percentage of fat content
, meat - choose low-fat varieties or cuts. For the first time after surgery, cook by steaming or in the oven.
Medicinal herbs that improve the flow of bile and liver function should be taken periodically in courses as recommended by a doctor.

Prognosis for the patient after splenectomy

Removal of the spleen is not a critical situation for the body.

How the patient will live after the operation, whether complications will arise, depends on several factors:

The reason why the operation was prescribed was trauma, tumors and what origin, infection, critical increase in size. For malignant neoplasms the prognosis is unfavorable
How the intervention took place - the methodology, the percentage of blood loss, injuries to neighboring organs.
The patient’s condition after splenectomy - how quickly he came to his senses after anesthesia, condition in intensive care
The postoperative period is the speed of healing, the absence of inflammatory or infectious processes at the sites of instrument insertion.
Further behavior of the patient throughout life.

Removal of the spleen is not a critical situation for. In general, the prognosis is favorable, since the functions of the organ are compensated. The duration and quality of life of the patient depend on the person’s behavior at the rehabilitation stage and in the future.

How long can rehabilitation take? The first years after splenectomy it is necessary to live, avoiding hypothermia, stress, physical and mental strain. A healthy lifestyle is necessary, nutrition after removal of the spleen should be balanced, and moderate physical activity is acceptable. To avoid overloading the liver, patients are prescribed a special diet. Food should be boiled, baked or steamed.

It is not allowed to use:

fatty meat, fatty fish and poultry, fatty broths and soups;
animal fat and lard;
chicken eggs and offal;
smoked and pickled products;
flour and bakery products, sour fruits and berries;
coffee, alcoholic and carbonated drinks are prohibited;
You should limit your intake of salt and butter.

The diet after spleen removal should include:

lean fish, beef and liver, white chicken;
porridge cooked in water;
soups made from vegetables and lean meat;
fermented milk products;
vegetables, with the exception of mushrooms, spinach, sorrel, radishes, turnips and horseradish;
berries, fruits and nuts;
freshly prepared juices, herbal teas, fruit drinks from fresh berries, lightly brewed tea;
dried bread.

Life after removal of the spleen requires compliance with certain conditions. The human body is undergoing restructuring; part of the functions of the spleen will have to be performed by the liver and lymph nodes. There will be a long recovery process, accompanied by reduced immunity.

The spleen is located in the left hypochondrium between the 9th and 11th pairs of ribs.

The spleen is full of blood vessels. Blood entering this organ receives a fresh portion of developing leukocytes - cells responsible for the body's immune defense.

This organ is located in the left hypochondrium between the 9th and 11th pairs of ribs. The appearance of the spleen is similar to that of a coffee bean. You can live without it. The person continues to lead an active lifestyle and does not become disabled.

The spleen is removed when the blood vessels in the organ itself are damaged.

There are no superfluous or unnecessary organs in the human body. And therefore, the spleen is removed only for vital indications, and not in accordance with the wishes of the patient. Splenectomy surgery is performed in the following cases:

Injuries to an organ that are incompatible with the further performance of its functions.
Rupture of the spleen, regardless of the reasons that caused it. It could be an injury, medicines, acute intoxication, tumors and infectious diseases such as mononucleosis.
Damage to blood vessels in the spleen. Internal bleeding.
HIV infection.
Myelofibrosis is the replacement of bone marrow tissue with fibrous cords.
Leukemia, organ tumors of various etiologies.
Pathological enlargement of the spleen.

Splenectomy - surgery to remove the spleen.

In the 20th century, removal of the spleen took place under general anesthesia. This was a major surgery with a long recovery period.

Modern techniques allow you to save the organ and apply stitches. Sometimes small sections of already removed spleen tissue are sutured to the peritoneal wall.

They are able to grow and increase in size. When the volume reaches 1 cm, the tissue is able to perform the functions of the removed organ. Currently, splenectomy with full access is performed in exceptional cases:

Increase in the linear dimensions of the spleen
Obese patient with a large fat layer in the surgical area.

In all other cases, splenectomy is performed using a laparoscope. The procedure itself lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour under general anesthesia. After the operation, the organ is sent for histological examination.

If the intervention went without complications, then on the 4th day after the operation the patient leaves surgery department. Full recovery occurs within 1–1.5 months. It depends on the reasons that caused the surgery - whether it was an injury, an emergency operation or a planned one, the patient’s diagnosis.

The most common complication of spleen removal encountered by patients who have undergone splenectomy is a sharp decrease in immunity and, as a result, reduced resistance to numerous infectious diseases. Therefore, on the eve of surgery, patients are most often vaccinated against pneumococcal infection (vaccinations against other dangerous infectious agents are possible).

The bacteria listed above cause pneumonia, meningitis and other extremely serious complications that can even lead to death. Therefore, vaccination against such infections is mandatory before surgery to remove the spleen. Infectious diseases as a consequence of splenectomy are characterized by rapid rates of development and severe forms.

Those at greatest risk of developing such complications are:

patients who underwent surgery to remove the spleen less than two years ago;
children who underwent surgery before the age of five.

This needs to be done in several areas:

Nutrition. After surgery to remove the spleen, patients should eat as much greens, fresh vegetables and fruits as possible, which are rich in iron. In this case, it is worth completely eliminating from the diet or minimizing the consumption of fried, smoked, spicy, fatty and salty foods. You should not drink carbonated and concentrated drinks, including fruit juices, which are sold in stores in cardboard boxes.
Bad habits. If you do not want to experience in your own skin the numerous unpleasant consequences of splenectomy, which can pose a threat to your life, then you should stop drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking.
Physical training. Systematic exercise therapy or other light forms of physical activity that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body will help it recover faster after surgery. At the same time, you should not overdo it and give yourself excessive stress.
Outdoor recreation. To avoid the disastrous consequences of surgery to remove the spleen, patients should avoid visiting crowded places for 2-3 years after surgery. It is advisable to carefully and prudently choose the tourist destinations where you go, and try not to visit countries with a high incidence of malaria, hepatitis, etc. At the same time, it is extremely useful to relax in nature, breathe clean air, and harden yourself. However, it is important to avoid hypothermia.
Timely treatment. Since decreased immunity and the risk of possible infection are just some of the possible and most common consequences of such an operation, patients need regular preventive monitoring. Any complication can be treated, but only if it is detected and diagnosed on time. To prevent viral infection, periodic courses of antibiotic therapy and immunostimulating drugs can be administered.

An operation to remove the spleen does not exclude the possibility of problems with the postoperative suture. In this context, the following consequences are possible:

hernia in places of tissue dissection;
infection of surgical sutures;
dropping out internal organs;
bleeding.

Such complications are often accompanied by severe pain and external changes in the operated area, so they can be detected and appropriate treatment prescribed quite quickly.

In order to understand in more detail what the consequences may be after splenectomy, it is important to know what the spleen is responsible for in the human body:

For metabolic processes of the body - participates in the production of bile, destroying damaged platelets and red blood cells.
The spleen is responsible for the production of antibodies to various types of infections and viruses, as well as for the formation of leukocytes.
While the baby is in the womb, the spleen works as the fetal hematopoietic organ; after the birth of the baby, this function takes over Bone marrow.
According to some reports, the spleen is also responsible for hormonal regulation functioning of the human brain.

Now it is clear what functions the spleen performs in the human body. But what are the consequences of its absence?

After removal of the spleen, the following changes occur in the human body:

Immunity decreases sharply.
The concentration of proteins in the blood plasma decreases, which leads to a person becoming more susceptible to pathogenic bacteria, viruses and infections entering the body.
An increase in platelet volume is possible, which leads to the risk of developing thromboembolism, and therefore, the patient is administered drugs that thin the blood almost immediately after the operation.
The number of leukocytes in his blood increases sharply.

All changes that occur after removal of the spleen are eliminated with the help of drug therapy during the rehabilitation period. And after some time, all indicators return to normal.

After splenectomy (surgery to remove the spleen), a number of changes occur in the body:

Weakening of the immune system.
Development of inflammatory reactions.
Changes in the blood formula - the concentration of proteins in the plasma decreases, as a result of which the phagocytic function suffers. A person becomes more susceptible to various bacterial infections. That is why in the first two years the risk of developing sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia and other dangerous conditions increases.
As platelet volume increases, the possibility of thromboembolism increases. To prevent such conditions, patients after splenectomy are prescribed blood thinners.
The number of leukocytes increases.

Risks and consequences of splenectomy

Removal is carried out due to loss of organ functionality. Indications for removal are:

Abdominal trauma in which the spleen ruptures. This can cause bleeding that is life-threatening. Rupture of the spleen is possible in a road traffic accident, strong impact, when playing sports. The rupture often causes splenosis - post-traumatic implantation of spleen tissue.
Splenomegaly is an abnormal increase in size of the spleen. It can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory in nature. The causes of inflammatory enlargement are heart attack, viral and bacterial infections, and abscess. Non-inflammatory increase is associated with diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, iron deficiency anemia, polymyositis, psoriasis and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Common causes of splenomegaly are acute and chronic bacterial infections. Organ removal is indicated in cases where conservative treatment doesn't bring positive results.
For idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, organ removal is most often prescribed. The disease occurs due to a reduced number of platelets; their pathological tendency to stick together develops multiple hemorrhages on the skin surface and mucous membrane. Pathology exists in the form of idiopathic, autoimmune and thrombotic purpura. To this day, the causes and mechanism of development of the pathology remain unknown. A reliable genetic predisposition to the disease develops as a result of physical and mental trauma, solar radiation, and infections. It is believed that the disease may have an immunoallergic basis, in which case the body produces antibodies that destroy its own platelets.
Spleen cancer is rare and difficult to diagnose. initial stage The disease has similar symptoms to all types of oncology. Subsequently, the development of the tumor increases the size of the spleen, causing heaviness and pain in the area of the organ. Leukopenia and thrombopenia develop. As metastases spread, they affect neighboring organs. The main and only treatment for cancer is surgery to remove the spleen. In cases of cancer detection early stage partial splenectomy is performed. During the operation, the cancerous tissue is removed along with a small portion of healthy tissue. Treatment is consolidated with chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
The abscess is caused by an infarction of the spleen. Often occurs due to purulent-inflammatory disease of neighboring organs. An abscess can be caused by twisting of the splenic pedicle or trauma. Purulent foci can be single or multiple, located in different places. If a splenic abscess is diagnosed, an urgent operation is performed to remove it.

Other reasons for removing the spleen include blood diseases, vascular disorders, leukemia, and spleen cyst.

Complex and exhausting physical exercises are prohibited.
It is not recommended to take hot baths.
Avoid unhealthy foods, carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
Avoid contact with people suffering from viral and bacterial infections; it is not advisable to be in crowded places.
At the first symptoms of any disease, you should immediately consult a doctor - self-medication is prohibited.
During seasonal illnesses, it is recommended to take immunostimulants that increase the body's resistance.

A person without a spleen should pay special attention to nutrition, since a double load falls on the liver. The diet should include easily digestible food. You should eat a balanced diet, often and in small portions.

The diet of a person who has had their spleen removed includes the following foods:

Fresh vegetables and fruits in large quantities.
Various cereals.
Lean boiled meat - chicken breast, turkey, beef.
Seafood.
Low-fat dairy and fermented milk products.

Completely exclude from the diet:

Fatty, spicy and salty foods.
Dishes with a lot of seasonings.
Alcoholic drinks.
Coffee.
Sweets, pastries, pastries, cakes.
Smoked products.
Canned fish.
Fatty dairy products.
Salo.

A sufficient amount of proteins and carbohydrates should be supplied to the body daily. It is extremely important to eat more foods containing iron. The recommended cooking method is steaming, stewing or baking. Avoid flavorings, trans fats and harmful preservatives.

When the spleen ruptures, pain occurs in the left upper abdomen (the spleen is located in the left hypochondrium between the 9th and 11th pairs of ribs)

A normal spleen, in addition to its protective function, removes defective erythrocytes (red blood cells) and platelets. It also stores white blood cells and platelets. In splenomegaly with hypersplenism (hyperfunction of the spleen), more cells than necessary are destroyed, which can lead to anemia and increased susceptibility to infections. In these cases, splenectomy may be a treatment option.

Splenomegaly is the second most common indication for splenectomy, after splenic rupture. After identifying enlarged splenic tissue, the doctor looks for signs of hypersplenism. Patients undergo thorough examinations under the supervision of a therapist and hematologist. Often, treating the underlying condition can lead to improvement.

The most common benign hematologic disorder in which the spleen is removed is immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Laparoscopic splenectomy is also performed for hereditary spherocytosis, thalassemia with secondary hypersplenism, sickle cell anemia and refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Main indications for removal of splenic tissue:

Severe rupture of the spleen after an accident.
Very severe enlargement of the spleen.
Hodgkin's disease.
Splenic infarction.
Felty's syndrome.
Purulent abscess, cyst, sarcoidosis.

When the spleen ruptures, pain often occurs in the left upper abdomen. Often the patient loses a large amount of blood, so typical symptoms of cardiogenic shock occur: pallor, dizziness, cramps in the uterus (in women), profuse sweating.

After splenectomy, the immune system is weakened in the long term. Some pathogens can cause pneumonia or meningitis. For this reason, vaccinations are always given before scheduled surgery.

After a standard operation to remove the spleen, a long and clearly visible scar remains on the body

There are few contraindications to traditional or laparoscopic splenectomy. For elective open splenectomy, the only absolute contraindications are uncorrectable coagulopathy and severe cardiovascular disease, which prohibit the administration of general anesthetics.

The day before the operation, the anesthesiologist will explain to the patient how to properly prepare.

Both open and laparoscopic surgery are almost always performed under general anesthesia. During a splenectomy, the patient loses little blood, so only in special cases is a transfusion required.

Traditional method

Splenectomy lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour under general anesthesia

Open splenectomy is performed under general anesthesia. Access to the organ is made through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall. The incision depends on the size of the spleen and the surgeon's preference.

Generally, in an emergency, an upper midline incision is preferred because it provides good visibility of the abdominal organs. First, the surgeon performs an inspection of the organs and then cuts the blood vessels that supply blood to the spleen. At the final stage, it is necessary to remove the organ itself.

The first splenectomy was performed by Adirano Zacarello in 1549 on a young woman with splenomegaly. The patient lived 6 years after removal of the spleen. Traditionally surgical removal was performed openly through an incision either in the upper midline or the left hypochondrium. With the advent of minimally invasive techniques, laparoscopic splenectomy has become the standard procedure for elective removal of the spleen for most indications.

The patient is placed in the right lateral position. The work table used is designed in such a way that the body can be slightly bent at height lumbar region. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. For laparoscopic surgery, four trocars with a diameter of 5 to 12 mm are used.

When the spleen is removed, there is usually a large cavity left into which a drainage tube is inserted.

Sometimes the tube can cause injury to the tail of the pancreas. In rare cases, bleeding from the spleen cannot be prevented. Therefore, during a planned partial removal, the entire spleen may need to be removed.

For some tumors (for example, Hodgkin's disease), it is advisable to remove not only this organ, but also some lymph nodes. Often, a tissue sample from the liver (biopsy) is taken during surgery. A histological examination can then be carried out to help determine possible reason enlarged spleen.

Pain in the left hypochondrium after surgery should alert the patient.

The consequence of removal of the spleen may be the development of pancreatitis.

Fatty and spicy foods should be removed from the diet after the spleen is removed.

Removal of the spleen is not a critical situation for the body.

Possible complications

Possible complications after splenectomy:

After removal of the spleen, the consequences are expressed in mild infection by pathogenic bacteria. This is explained by the fact that the spleen provided protection against pathogenic microorganisms. In this regard, it is necessary to avoid infectious diseases and carry out annual vaccinations against influenza and other viral pathologies.
Splenectomy can cause changes in blood composition that last a lifetime. Hypercoagulation and increased platelet levels can provoke cerebral thrombolism and pulmonary artery.
Removing an organ can disrupt the functions of the liver, gallbladder and negatively affect the gastrointestinal tract.
One more a common complication splenectomy is leukocytosis. The pathology is characterized by an increased content of leukocytes (white blood cells) in blood. The disease requires drug therapy and a special diet.
Hernias may form at the incision sites.
Splenosis, autotransplantation of splenic tissue occurs 1–10 years after splenectomy. IN clinical cases Thoracic splenosis and pelvic splenosis occur. In rare cases, subcutaneous splenosis is diagnosed. It is assumed that during the operation, nodules of ectopic tissue of the organ enter the abdominal cavity and form splenosis.

If there are signs of infection, severe pain, bleeding from the surgical suture, severe coughing, vomiting, you should contact your doctor.

After removal of the spleen, part of its functions passes to lymph nodes and liver. The liver performs many tasks in our body: protects against harmful substances, produces bile for the stable functioning of the digestive system, regulates blood glucose, controls blood volume in the body, promotes the absorption of vitamins, etc.

Therefore, one of the complications after surgery to remove the spleen is “overload” of the liver and even the inability to perform replacement functions. The digestive system, which is in close connection with the liver, suffers from this. Because of this, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and disruption of the stomach and intestines may occur.

The liver can perform some of the functions of the spleen, but not all. An important task of the spleen is to cleanse the blood of old, “outdated” platelets that turn into waste. After splenectomy, no organ can perform this function, and therefore venous thrombosis can be a consequence of the operation. Most often, hepatic vein thrombosis occurs after removal of the spleen.

The disease can be prevented - for this it is necessary to use anticoagulant drugs that can thin the blood and prevent platelets from sticking together. To quickly detect the threat of such a complication, it is worth systematically undergoing a preventive examination by a hematologist.

Atelectasis of the lung

This name is given to a disease whose essence lies in the complete collapse or incomplete expansion of lung tissue. Because of this, the respiratory surface of the lung is reduced, and alveolar ventilation is impaired. In the collapsed area, bronchiectasis, infections, or fibrosis and others develop serious illnesses.

Patients suffering from this complication develop respiratory failure. As a result, they experience shortness of breath, which quite often appears suddenly. Their pulse quickens, painful sensations appear in their chest, decreases arterial pressure. The skin may acquire a bluish tint.

A significant decrease in the body’s own immune defense can lead not only to severe infections, but also to the development of chronic inflammatory process in the lungs. The cause of the disease is the prolonged vegetation of pathogenic organisms in respiratory tract patient.

After splenectomy, the risk of developing bacterial and fungal infections increases throughout your life. First of all, patients suffer from pneumococci, meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae. Some patients develop sepsis and other life-threatening complications within hours of having their spleen removed.

All patients undergoing splenectomy are required to be vaccinated against streptococcal pneumonia, Pfeiffer bacillus and meningococci. You should also get vaccinated against the influenza virus annually. For elective splenectomy, vaccination should begin before the scheduled surgery.

Removing the spleen can cause a significant increase in the number of platelets in the blood. Thrombocytosis can increase the chance of developing thrombi (blood clots), which can block the portal vein.

On average, 2-5% of patients without a spleen suffer from thrombosis. Patients with high platelet counts are most at risk of developing myocardial infarction or stroke in the first two years after splenectomy.

To prevent thrombosis, an anticoagulant is prescribed. Since anticoagulant therapy may increase bleeding, you should consult your doctor. In the first weeks or months, low molecular weight heparin is used in a prophylactic dose, and then acetylsalicylic acid.

Postsplenectomy syndrome occurs several days or years after splenic surgery. Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome often occurs. Patients must take lifelong antibiotics to prevent infections. The distinctive features of the syndrome are the symptoms of sepsis.

The disease begins with fever or chills accompanied by abdominal pain. If antibiotic therapy is started too late, a state of shock develops. The patient's consciousness is impaired and delirious states occur. Breathing speeds up, blood pressure drops, and heart rate increases.

Without treatment, the patient may die within a few hours. The body's blood clotting process is disrupted and internal bleeding occurs. Since blood circulation is impaired, organs suffer from oxygen deficiency. As a result, various organs gradually begin to fail. Petechiae appear on the skin - small pinpoint hemorrhages. Once organs have failed, further treatment will not be beneficial. Due to irreversible damage to the body, the patient falls into a coma and dies.

Recovery and rehabilitation

If the intervention went without complications, then on the 4th day after the operation the patient leaves the surgical department, full recovery occurs within 1–1.5 months

The patient remains in the hospital for one day and night. It is important to monitor blood pressure and pulse, as well as the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. Removing the spleen can cause anemia due to severe blood loss during surgery. If vaccination was not carried out before surgery to completely remove the spleen, it is recommended to do it after 10 days. Patients in this case remain in the hospital for about a week.

Depending on the postoperative condition and the degree of blood loss, patients recover quickly after splenectomy. It is recommended not to exercise for approximately 2-3 weeks after surgery. For large laparotomy, heavy exercise should be avoided for 4 weeks. Regular blood tests are recommended to monitor the success of treatment.

After splenectomy, as mentioned above, susceptibility to certain bacterial infections increases. The main forms of inflammation are pneumonia and meningitis. Therefore, the patient should have been vaccinated against these agents already 2-3 weeks before surgery. Vaccinations should then be repeated after 5 years.

It is advisable to take an antibiotic before surgery (for example, at the dentist) or in case of incipient infections. If a temperature above 38 °C occurs, it is recommended to take the medicine immediately.

Diet

After discharge from the hospital, it is recommended to remain in bed for at least 1-2 weeks. Patients are allowed to eat easily digestible foods and do moderate exercise. On the other hand, strenuous physical work should be avoided. A special diet is not required after complete or partial removal of the spleen.

The diet for complete removal of the spleen should consist mainly of legumes, various types of nuts and red meat, since the high content of iron and vitamin B12 accelerates hematopoiesis - the formation of blood cells. The diet after complete removal of the spleen is determined by a nutritionist.

Structure of the spleen

The spleen is located on the left side of the abdominal cavity. This is a rather large unpaired lymphoid organ, which in shape resembles an elongated hemisphere. In its structure, the spleen has two surfaces: the outer convex and the inner concave. The first one is completely covered connective tissue. And the second consists of pulp of two colors - white and red.

The red part of the pulp consists of venous vessels and is responsible for processing foreign cells and monitoring the condition of old platelets and red blood cells.
The white part is responsible for protecting the immune system from external factors.

Between the red and white parts of the pulp there is a marginal zone responsible for human antibacterial protection.

In the human body, the spleen begins to form during uterine development at 6-7 weeks. The development of the organ begins in the form of a cluster of cells, in which vessels appear in the 3-5th month, and the contour of the organ is outlined. Throughout life, its structure and composition may change.

Reasons for removing the spleen

The reasons for removing the spleen can be both external and internal factors, the main of which are:

Accidents, injuries due to falls or during sports activities and training.
Malignant organ damage.
Some types of blood cancer.
Tuberculosis or purulent lesion of the spleen.
Hemolytic or aplastic anemia.
Ineffectiveness of drug and hormonal therapy.

What not to eat after spleen removal

After surgery to remove the spleen, the liver takes over all its functions. The patient must follow a strict diet to prevent overstrain of this organ and others responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive system. It is important that after splenectomy the diet is gentle and balanced, therefore, when creating a menu, it is necessary to include only healthy foods. The patient should know what not to eat after removal of the spleen:

coffee and products containing caffeine;
canned and pickled foods;
seasonings, especially hot ones;
solid food;
fatty meats;
fried and high-calorie foods, food prepared at fast food outlets.

In addition, the patient should stop consuming any type of alcohol and tobacco products.

Is there a disability after removal of the spleen?

Is disability granted after removal of the spleen? This question is equally of interest to those who are about to surgery for organ removal, and those who have already experienced all this. This operation is not a reason to register disability. Although the organ plays an important role in the human body, it is not vital.

Based on all of the above, we can answer positively the question of whether a person can live without a spleen. And without this organ you can live a long, decent life. The most important thing is to give up everyone in time bad habits and take better care of your health.

All materials on the site were prepared by specialists in the field of surgery, anatomy and specialized disciplines.
All recommendations are indicative in nature and are not applicable without consulting a doctor.

The operation to remove the spleen is called a splenectomy. Before prescribing this radical treatment, doctors hold a consultation. A meeting of specialists renders a verdict that the organ has lost its functions, and its continued existence will cause much more harm than surgical intervention.

Functions of the spleen

A healthy spleen performs a number of important functions in the human body:

These functions are important processes that contribute to the full functioning of the entire organism.

Indications for surgery

However, with some pathologies of the spleen, its participation in maintaining existence becomes problematic, causing harm to all organs and tissues or posing a threat to human health and even life. In this case, the spleen is removed, i.e. splenectomy is performed.

Reasons for organ removal:

In some cases, surgery is not performed, even if there are clear indications for splenectomy. This is associated with predictable complications that will cause more harm than the surgery itself. Below are some reasons why your spleen may not be removed.

Severe cardiovascular diseases: the operation is performed under general anesthesia, the body’s ability to withstand this load is assumed;
Serious pulmonary diseases that prevent the use of general anesthesia;
Uncontrolled coagulopathy - the inability to increase blood clotting to acceptable levels before surgery;
High tendency to form adhesions: pathological compression of the abdominal organs and lungs by adhesive neoplasms with subsequent limitation of their functions is possible;
Terminal stage of malignant tumor;
Lack of patient consent.

Preparing for surgery

If there are no contraindications, the patient begins to prepare for surgery. If the procedure is planned, then all manipulations are carried out in accordance with the regime of the medical institution. At urgent surgery preparation is minimal.

In aplastic anemia, splenectomy is preceded by a bone marrow transplant and accompanying therapy.

Performing a splenectomy

The operation is performed under general anesthesia with the administration of antibiotics. There are several ways to perform surgical intervention, but they are all divided into 2 categories according to the technique of execution:

Open surgery. An incision is made in the abdominal wall and muscles in the left hypochondrium. Spread the edges with retractors. The ligaments supporting the spleen bed are cut off. The vessels are cauterized or stapled. The removed organ is removed, the surgical field is inspected - the surfaces are dried, the removal of absorbent material and instruments is checked, the absence of bleeding is ensured, a drainage tube is installed if necessary, the muscles and skin are connected with staples and sutures. A postoperative bandage is applied/sticked to the wound.
Laparoscopy. Through a small hole in the abdominal wall, gas, most often carbon dioxide, is pumped into the abdominal cavity. This is done to lift the skin and muscles in order to increase the room for maneuvering the instrument. A small incision (1 - 2 cm) is made and a laparoscope is inserted - a tube with a camera at the end that transmits an image to a screen in the operating room. Another 2–4 similar incisions are made for manipulator instruments, with the help of which the removal is carried out.

The advantages of the laparoscopic method of splenectomy are obvious: minor trauma reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications.

Getting up earlier and physical activity contribute to the speedy “switching on” of organs and the establishment of metabolism in new conditions.

However, with this method, the appropriate qualifications of the surgeon are very important - the frequency of complications in the form of a return to the traditional method of performing the operation already during the intervention decreases as the doctor gains experience.

Side effects are possible after any surgery. Preoperative preparation and proper management of the operation reduce the risk of complications to a minimum, but the body's reactions are not always predictable. Therefore, during the resuscitation period after removal of the spleen, the following may be detected:

Bleeding;
Inflammation of the suture and hernia in its area in a later period;
Diseases of neighboring organs as a result of injury during surgery;
Superinfection is a serious complication that is very typical for splenectomy due to the lack of immunoprotection.

Postoperative period

According to medical observations, a positive effect from the operation occurs in 84% of cases of splenectomy.

If the postoperative period progresses well, the patient spends no more than a week in the hospital. At this time, the condition of the seam is monitored, dressings are made, and general condition. The functions of the spleen should be taken over by other organs, in particular the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. To reduce the severity of the body's restructuring, smoothing therapy is prescribed. They carry out tests at different times and monitor the condition of internal organs using ultrasound equipment.

During this period, immunity is very reduced, because... the spleen performed a protective function. After discharge, it is recommended to avoid crowded places. The functions of the liver and pancreas are also weakened - it is necessary to follow a diet so as not to overload these organs.

Recovery after surgery lasts 2–3 months. At this time, the patient is under outpatient observation. Physical activity is gradually increased, but a complete lack of movement is unacceptable.

Splenectomy - in most cases, is prescribed after many therapeutic courses of treatment have exhausted their effectiveness or for urgent indications in life-threatening conditions. Timely implementation of this operation often leads to a significant improvement in the condition of patients or even to a complete cure.

Video: laparoscopic splenectomy

Each organ in our body plays some important role. The spleen is no exception. It is important to note that it plays a big role in the functioning of the immune and hematopoietic systems, which is why any disturbance in it can affect the entire body as a whole, and then the only correct decision may be the removal of the organ. Therefore, the question of whether a person can live without a spleen and how this will affect performance is of concern to many.

In order to get a definite answer, it is necessary to evaluate in more detail the structure and functions of the spleen and find out how the patient’s life may change after its removal.

Structure of the spleen

The spleen is located on the left side of the abdominal cavity. This is a rather large unpaired lymphoid organ, which in shape resembles an elongated hemisphere. In its structure, the spleen has two surfaces: the outer convex and the inner concave. The first of them is completely covered with connective tissue. And the second consists of pulp of two colors - white and red.

The red part of the pulp consists of venous vessels and is responsible for processing foreign cells and monitoring the condition of old platelets and red blood cells.
The white part is responsible for protecting the immune system from external factors.

Between the red and white parts of the pulp there is a marginal zone responsible for human antibacterial protection.

Functions of the spleen in the human body

In order to understand in more detail what the consequences may be after splenectomy, it is important to know what the spleen is responsible for in the human body:

For metabolic processes of the body - participates in the production of bile, destroying damaged platelets and red blood cells.
The spleen is responsible for the production of antibodies to various types of infections and viruses, as well as for the formation of leukocytes.
While the baby is in the womb, the spleen works as the fetal hematopoietic organ; after the baby is born, this function is taken over by the bone marrow.
According to some reports, the spleen is also responsible for the hormonal regulation of the human brain.

Now it is clear what functions the spleen performs in the human body. But what are the consequences of its absence?

Reasons for removing the spleen

The reasons for removing the spleen can be both external and internal factors, the main of which are:

Accidents, injuries due to falls or during sports activities and training.
Malignant organ damage.
Some types of blood cancer.
Tuberculosis or purulent lesion of the spleen.
Hemolytic or aplastic anemia.
Ineffectiveness of drug and hormonal therapy.

Risks and consequences of splenectomy

After removal of the spleen, if all medical recommendations are not followed, very serious complications are possible, which in some cases can lead to the death of the patient:

The development of meningitis, pneumonia and viral infections.
The development of pancreatitis, malfunctions and disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Formation of a hernia at the sites of tissue dissection and infection in the postoperative scar.

The main peak in the development of any complications after removal of the spleen occurs in the first two years after the operation. If the infection is not detected in time and not neutralized in a short time, this can soon lead to the death of the patient. In connection with the above, it is during this period that you should avoid getting any infection into the body. But, despite this, the answer to the question of whether a person can live without a spleen is affirmative.

Prediction of survival after spleen removal

When a doctor prescribes a splenectomy, many patients are interested in the question of whether a person can live without a spleen. After all, organ transplantation is a very rare and expensive operation, the waiting lists for which are quite long. People are also concerned about the question of how long they live after removal of the spleen.

The prognosis for patient survival after organ removal is quite favorable, since such an operation is not critical. In general, a favorable outcome depends on how well the patient correctly and carefully adheres to all the recommendations and advice of the attending physician.

What happens in the body after surgery to remove the spleen

Afterwards the following changes occur in the human body:

Immunity decreases sharply.
The concentration of proteins in the blood plasma decreases, which leads to a person becoming more susceptible to pathogenic bacteria, viruses and infections entering the body.
An increase in platelet volume is possible, which leads to the risk of developing thromboembolism, and therefore, the patient is administered drugs that thin the blood almost immediately after the operation.
The number of leukocytes in his blood increases sharply.

All changes that occur after removal of the spleen are eliminated with the help of drug therapy during the rehabilitation period. And after some time, all indicators return to normal.

Features of the patient's life after removal of the spleen

After removal of the spleen, the patient begins a recovery period, which can last from 1 to 3 months. The doctor, both before and after the operation, must explain to the patient how to live without a spleen, tell him what diet to follow and detail the list of prohibited foods and actions. The patient, in turn, must be under the regular supervision of a doctor and unquestioningly follow all his recommendations. This is the only way to avoid most of the unpleasant consequences and complications after the operation.

After surgery to remove the spleen, you should not take a hot bath.
All severe physical exercise.
The patient should avoid places where there are large crowds of people, and should not have contact with people sick with viral or bacterial infection. As a rule, at the first symptoms of any disease, do not leave everything to chance and do not self-medicate, but immediately contact your doctor.
During the cold season, you should take vitamins and immunostimulants to prevent the development of colds. Avoid hypothermia.

Due to the fact that after removal of the spleen there is a double load on the liver, the patient must be on a strict diet for the rest of his life. Nutrition should be balanced and easily digestible. You need to eat often and in small portions, avoid overeating. After removal of the spleen, the patient is allowed the following products:

lean meats;
dairy and fermented milk products;
fresh and boiled vegetables and fruits in large quantities;
cereals;
seafood.

A person should drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid per day. You can drink weak black tea, fruit juice, compote, rosehip, boiled or mineral water without gas.

Several times a year, as prescribed by your doctor, you should take choleretic drugs to avoid stagnation of bile in the body. With each meal, the body should receive a sufficient amount of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. All food consumed should be boiled, baked or steamed.

What not to eat after spleen removal

After surgery to remove the spleen, the liver takes over all its functions. The patient must follow a strict diet to prevent overstrain of this organ and others responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive system. It is important that after splenectomy the diet is gentle and balanced, therefore, when creating a menu, it is necessary to include only healthy foods in the diet. The patient should know what not to eat after removal of the spleen:

coffee and products containing caffeine;
canned and pickled foods;
seasonings, especially hot ones;
solid food;
fatty meats;
fried and high-calorie foods, food prepared at fast food outlets.

In addition, the patient should stop consuming any type of alcohol and tobacco products.

Is there a disability after removal of the spleen?

Is disability granted after removal of the spleen? This question is equally of interest to both those who are about to undergo surgery to remove an organ, and those who have already experienced all this. This operation is not a reason to register disability. Although the organ plays an important role in the human body, it is not vital. The only thing a patient can count on after a splenectomy is the percentage of disability, but even then in the presence of some very serious circumstances, namely complications and consequences in the postoperative period.

Based on all of the above, we can answer positively the question of whether a person can live without a spleen. And without this organ you can live a long, decent life. The most important thing is to give up all bad habits in time and monitor your health more carefully.