Post-splenectomy syndrome

Definition

Post-splenectomy syndrome is a group of symptoms and signs that often occur after surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy).

These include:

Destruction of red blood cells
Increased risk of getting severe infections, especially with certain bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis
Thrombocytosis (increased platelet count, which can cause blood clots)

Alternative Names

Splenectomy - post-surgery syndrome

Possible Complications

Possible long-term medical problems include:

Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
Pulmonary hypertension (a disease affecting the blood vessels in your lungs)

References

Shurin SB. The spleen and its disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr., Shattil SJ, eds. Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008:chap 163.

Review Date: 2/28/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.