Splenectomy after Trauma

About the Spleen

 

The spleen is an organ in your abdomen.  It is often injured in accidents.  Your spleen works as a filter for your blood.  It is a vital part of your immune system.  If your spleen has severe damage, it may be harmful to your health.  A spleen that is injured can bleed into the abdomen.  This may cause life-threatening blood loss or infection.  It may also cause damage your pancreas.

 

Treatment after spleen injury

 

If the damage to your spleen is severe, your doctor may decide that it is best to remove it. 

 

Although your spleen is a major part of your immune system, you can live without it.  If your spleen needs to be removed, you will need to be careful with infections in the future.  Infections for a person with no spleen can be very serious.  Sometimes, they may even be fatal.  Although the chance this may happen is very small, you need to take proper care.

 

Vaccines

 

The spleen protects against certain types of organisms.  If you have your spleen removed, you will need to get vaccines to protect yourself.  These vaccines include:

 

• Pneumococcal vaccine:  You will get this vaccine before you leave the hospital.  You will need to repeat this vaccine every six years.  
• Haemophilus B vaccine:  It needs to be repeated every 3-5 years.
• Meningococcal vaccine:  It needs to be repeated every 3-5 years.
• Influenza (flu) vaccine:  You will need to get this vaccine every year.

 

Other steps to prevent infection

 

• You will need to carry a supply of antibiotics with you, mainly when you travel to places that may not have quick access to health care.  Consult with your primary care doctor on this.

 

• If you are traveling to a place where you will be exposed to malaria, you will always need to take medicine to prevent malaria.

 

• Special care should also be taken to prevent animal or tick bites.  If you do get bitten, you will need to see a doctor. 

 

You should seek medical attention RIGHT AWAY if

 

• You have a temperature of 100.4°F or higher for two readings taken 4 hours apart.

 

• You have flu-like symptoms such as chills, uncontrollable shivering, or body aches.

 

We suggest that you wear a MedicAlert bracelet or necklace and carry a wallet card stating that you have no spleen.

            MedicAlert Foundation International

            2323 Colorado Ave, Turlock, CA 95382

            1-800-432-5378

            www.medicalert.org

 

Tell any new health care professionals, including dentists, that your spleen was removed.

 

Once your spleen is removed, you will always need to follow these steps to protect yourself.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/08/2009

Copyright © 06/08/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6893

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