2023-05-23 13:41:41
Splenectomy: complications and followingcare
The most common complications following a spleen removal are pneumonia or pleural effusions. It can also happen that the neighboring pancreas is injured during the procedure and a pancreatic fistula develops following the splenectomy. There is also a risk of bleeding during and following the operation.
Another possible complication following splenectomy is thromboembolism. Because the platelets are no longer broken down by the spleen, thrombocytosis occurs and blood clots form. These in turn get stuck in important vessels and can lead to a life-threatening thrombosis.
Post-splenectomy treatment
Immediately following the operation, the risk of postoperative bleeding is checked. Since the spleen itself is a very blood-rich organ and is closely connected to the neighboring organs, good monitoring must take place here in the postoperative phase. The fluid in the drains that are still in place is checked carefully to rule out an injury to the pancreas and a pancreatic fistula following a splenectomy.
Blood pressure and blood values must also be checked so that anemia (low blood count) can be recognized immediately. There is now a shortage of red blood cells due to the splenectomy and it takes a while for the body to catch up with the deficit. The blood moulting following the splenectomy is gradually taken over by other organs. Patients can usually leave the hospital following a week, but they still have to rest for two to three weeks and are not allowed to lift heavy loads for at least a month.
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