Does Spleen Removal Affect Our Normal Life?

The spleen functions as a blood reservoir in the human body and is also capable of producing lymphocytes. In the case of certain diseases, such as hemangioma, lymphosarcoma, cysts, and gastric cancer, traditional treatment methods often yield limited results, necessitating splenic resection as a solution. Naturally, one would be concerned about the impact of spleen removal on the body. So, does splenic resection affect our normal life? Let's explore this question.

Generally speaking, splenic resection has minimal impact on daily life and lifespan. However, in recent years, some have argued from an immunological perspective that splenic resection may lead to decreased immune resistance and weakened metabolism. The spleen's primary functions include digestion and absorption, transporting nutrients, regulating water metabolism, and controlling blood circulation. It is also associated with muscles, limbs, and lips. After splenic resection, the immune system will definitely weaken, making the individual relatively susceptible to secondary infections such as respiratory and intestinal infections. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen infection prevention measures, including maintaining warmth, practicing good dietary hygiene, personal hygiene, and engaging in appropriate exercise. Nevertheless, the spleen is not the only immune organ. With some time for adjustment after surgery, the immune system can recover to a certain extent, and some of its immune functions will be replaced by other immune organs. Complete recovery to normal function is unlikely, but studies have shown that even in healthy individuals, the damage caused by splenic resection is minimal. You can live your life as normal but should avoid foods harmful to the liver. After splenic resection, immune function and resistance to infection may decrease, increasing susceptibility to infections and the risk of severe complications. Therefore, patients should always be vigilant and seek prompt medical attention for any signs of infection.

2.1 Abdominal complications

• Bleeding: Delayed intraperitoneal bleeding after surgery often occurs in patients with splenic hyperfunction and poor liver function. Measures should be taken before and after surgery to improve coagulation and prevent bleeding.
• Subphrenic infection or abscess: These complications often occur in patients with subphrenic hematoma. A rise in body temperature after 3-4 days postoperatively should be closely monitored, and further investigation is necessary. If an abscess forms, prompt incision and drainage are required.
• Postoperative acute pancreatitis: Although rare, this complication can be severe and is often caused by intraoperative injury. Patients with severe upper abdominal or left upper abdominal pain should have their pancreatic amylase levels measured promptly for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

2.2 Pulmonary complications

Atelectasis and pneumonia are the most common pulmonary complications, especially in elderly patients. Reactive pleural effusion on the left side may indicate subphrenic infection or pulmonary complications. Timely pleural puncture and aspiration are necessary for further diagnosis and treatment.

2.3 Other complications

• Splenic vein thrombophlebitis: Thrombosis can easily occur in the proximal end of the splenic vein after ligation during surgery. Infected thrombophlebitis may manifest as high fever, abdominal pain, and septicemia, requiring prompt prevention and treatment. Splenic vein thrombophlebitis is often the primary cause of persistent high fever after splenic resection but may also be due to decreased immune function, increasing the risk of infection.
• Postoperative jaundice and hepatic coma: These complications are more common in patients with liver cirrhosis and generally have a poor prognosis. Vigilance and timely prevention and treatment are essential.