Did you know your spleen can get damaged and removed due to unavoidable circumstances? But what will happen once it’s removed? And most importantly, can you live without a spleen?
This post will answer all your questions, so keep reading until the end to learn more about this small organ.
What is a spleen?
The spleen is a small oval-shaped organ on the left side of the abdomen just below the rib cage that plays a crucial role in filtering blood. Specifically, it removes old red blood cells and stores blood that can be released in an emergency.
Moreover, the spleen is a storage site for platelets and white blood cells, which plays a vital role in fighting infections.
This organ comprises the following components: the red and white pulp.
- Red pulp: the red pulp acts as a blood filter, removing old or damaged blood cells and aiding in destroying bacteria and viruses as well
- White pulp: the white pulp contains white blood cells that regulate inflammation and combat infections
Is it okay to live without a spleen?
Most organs in the human body are vital for performing essential functions. However, knowing that some organs are not essential for survival may come as a surprise. The spleen is one such organ – so to answer the question, “Can you live without a spleen?” Yes, you can.
Although the spleen plays a crucial role in the immune system, other organs in the body can compensate for its absence. However, the drawback of not having a spleen is that you may be more vulnerable to bacteria and certain blood infections.
After splenectomy, or the removal of the spleen, the risk of contracting severe infections is higher. Other factors that can increase the risk of infection include age and pre-existing medical conditions.
Causes for Spleen Removal
Doctors typically consider splenectomy a last resort when treating spleen injuries, as they prefer to preserve the spleen’s functionality whenever possible. However, in some instances, a splenectomy may be necessary, such as when a patient presents with one of the following conditions:
Enlarged spleen
An enlarged spleen, medically known as splenomegaly, occurs when it grows in size or inflates beyond its standard capacity, requiring it to be surgically removed. If not treated immediately, this may cause discomfort and abdominal pain, leading to a ruptured spleen.
There are several reasons why the spleen may enlarge, including blood-related cancers, blood clots, cystic fibrosis, infections of the heart’s lining, and inflammatory disorders.
Ruptured spleen
The spleen can rupture or tear if it enlarges too much or is due to physical trauma. This critical condition can lead to internal bleeding and even death if left untreated.
The severity of the ruptured spleen will determine the appropriate treatment for the patient, which may include non-surgical methods or a splenectomy. The doctors will make this decision based on their evaluation of the patient’s condition.
Blood disorder
Certain blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and hereditary spherocytosis, can cause chronic destruction of red blood cells, leading to an enlarged spleen and other complications. In some cases, removing the spleen can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent further damage to other organs.
Cancer
In rare cases, the spleen may need to be removed due to cancer, such as leukemia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This may be necessary if cancer has spread to the spleen or if the spleen is producing abnormal blood cells. Sometimes, spleen removal may be part of a larger cancer treatment plan.
Infection
The spleen may need to be removed due to a severe infection, such as sepsis or an abscess. This may be necessary if the infection is not responding to antibiotics or other treatments to prevent the infection from spreading to other organs and tissues.
Symptoms of a Damaged Spleen
How would you know if your spleen is damaged? To determine if your spleen has been damaged, watch out for pain on the left side of your chest or shoulder, which could be the primary indicator due to bleeding from a ruptured spleen.
This pain usually worsens with every breath you take and may be accompanied by other symptoms related to blood loss, such as:
- dizziness
- confusion
- blurry vision
- pale skin
- faintness
- anxiety
- nausea
How Splenectomy is Performed
When all other treatment options have been exhausted, a splenectomy may be necessary to save the patient. What does this procedure entail, and what can patients expect from this treatment?
Before splenectomy
Patients are given general anesthesia before the surgery, which can be inhaled through a mask or injected by an anesthesiologist. The surgical team will then closely monitor vital signs to ensure a smooth and successful operation.
During splenectomy
Once the patient is unconscious, the surgeon will proceed with the splenectomy using either laparoscopic or open splenectomy methods. This will depend mainly on the size and severity of the damage to the spleen.
Still, the laparoscopic method is preferred over the other since it’s minimally invasive and has fewer complications than the latter.
Laparoscopic splenectomy
In this procedure, the surgeon creates four small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a tiny tube equipped with a video camera through one of the incisions. Using a monitor to view the video, the surgeon employs tools inserted through the other incisions to remove the spleen.
In certain situations, if the laparoscopic approach is not yielding the desired outcome, the surgeon may opt for an open splenectomy instead. This decision depends on whether it is necessary and which method will provide the best results.
Open splenectomy
During the open splenectomy, the surgeon will create an incision in the middle of the abdomen to partially or fully remove the spleen. Afterward, the surgeon will then close the incision with stitches or staples.
After splenectomy
The length of hospital stay for patients undergoing splenectomy varies depending on the method used. Laparoscopy patients usually leave the hospital one to two days post-procedure; some may even be discharged on the same day if there are no complications.
On the other hand, open splenectomy patients are advised to stay in the hospital for about two to six days since they require more monitoring and recovery time. Patients can typically return to normal activities in a few weeks, but it’s best to consult your doctor first for a smoother recovery.
Living Life Without a Spleen
The risk of getting infections is at its highest shortly after having the spleen removed. To reduce this risk, doctors may recommend patients take vaccines against pneumonia, influenza, and bacterial meningitis.
Make sure to monitor yourself closely post-splenectomy and see your doctor right away if you experience signs of infections such as:
- fever
- diarrhea
- sore throat
- skin rashes or redness
- chills
- body aches
Seek immediate medical attention from your doctor for even minor signs of infection if you have had your spleen removed. It is crucial to get a prescription to prevent the infection from worsening.
Conclusion
While the spleen may not be essential for survival, it still plays an important role in the body’s immune system, and its absence should not be taken lightly. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and take precautions to prevent infection after undergoing spleen removal.
Furthermore, it is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions for aftercare and always to keep a close eye on any health changes. Whether it is taking prescribed medications or attending follow-up appointments, following the doctor’s orders can significantly impact the success of the treatment and improve your overall health.