Was it possible to remove the spleen? Recovery after removal of the spleen

The spleen is removed when there is damage to the blood vessels in the organ itself.

There are no superfluous or unnecessary organs in the human body. And therefore, the spleen is removed only for vital reasons, and not obeying the wishes of the patient. Splenectomy is performed in the following cases:

• Organ injuries incompatible with the further performance of its functions.
• A ruptured spleen, whatever the cause. This can include trauma, medication, acute intoxication, tumors, and infectious diseases such as mononucleosis.
• Damage to the blood vessels in the spleen. Internal bleeding.
• HIV infection.
• Myelofibrosis is the replacement of bone marrow tissue with fibrous cords.
• Leukemia, organ tumors of various etiologies.
• Pathological enlargement of the spleen.

When the spleen ruptures, pain occurs in the upper left abdomen (the spleen is located in the left hypochondrium between the 9th and 11th pair of ribs)

The normal spleen, in addition to its protective function, removes defective red blood cells (red blood cells) and platelets. It also stores white blood cells and platelets. In splenomegaly with hypersplenism (hyperfunction of the spleen), more cells are destroyed than necessary, which can lead to anemia and an increased susceptibility to infection. In these cases, splenectomy may be a treatment option.

Splenomegaly is the second most common indication for splenectomy after a ruptured spleen. After detecting enlarged splenic tissue, the doctor looks for signs of hypersplenism. Patients undergo thorough examinations under the supervision of a therapist and hematologist. Often, treating the underlying condition can improve the situation.

The most common benign hematologic disorder in which the spleen is removed is immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Laparoscopic splenectomy is also performed for hereditary spherocytosis, thalassemia with secondary hypersplenism, sickle cell anemia, and refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

The main indications for the removal of splenic tissue:

• Severe rupture of the spleen after an accident.
• Very strong enlargement of the spleen.
• Hodgkin's disease.
• Spleen infarction.
• Felty's syndrome.
• Purulent abscess, cyst, sarcoidosis.

When the spleen ruptures, pain in the upper left abdomen often occurs. Often, the patient loses a large amount of blood, so the typical symptoms of cardiogenic shock occur: pallor, dizziness, cramps in the uterus (in women), profuse sweating.

After splenectomy, immunity is weakened in the long term. Some pathogens can cause pneumonia or meningitis. For this reason, vaccinations are always given before the scheduled surgery.

After standard surgery to remove the spleen, a long and clearly visible scar remains on the body.

There are few contraindications to traditional or laparoscopic splenectomy. In selective open splenectomy, the only absolute contraindications are uncorrected coagulopathy and severe cardiovascular disease, which prohibit the administration of general anesthetics.

The spleen is located in the abdomen, to the left behind the ribs and stomach.

In a normal state, the spleen is small, so it cannot be felt during the examination and does not manifest itself in ordinary life. Many people don't even know where the organ is located.

Despite the absence of visible manifestations of activity, the functions of the spleen are very important for ensuring the normal functioning of the body and maintaining human health in general.

The spleen takes part in hematopoiesis and is the largest organ of the lymphatic system:

• produces circulating lymphocytes and monocytes;
• accumulates platelets;
• cleans the blood from destroyed particles;
• promotes the production of bile;
• supports metabolic processes.

Under the influence of abnormal development, diseases, infections and injuries, the spleen loses its functionality. In such cases, doctors recommend removing the spleen.

Since the spleen is not a vital organ, the consequences of the operation do not affect the general well-being of a person.

It is possible to understand in what cases doctors decide to remove the spleen if we assess the situation from the point of view of the expediency of treatment.

The consequences of some pathological processes in the body can seriously worsen the patient's health. If the operation is not carried out in time, then the patient's life will be in jeopardy.

Most often, organ removal is prescribed if the following reasons are diagnosed:

Answering the question of what diseases may require surgery on the spleen, doctors call a whole list of pathologies: cirrhosis of the liver, stagnation of venous blood leading to portal hypertension syndrome, typhoid fever, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus.

Removal of the spleen is prescribed for vital indications.

The main reasons for surgery are:

In some situations, the spleen is removed due to the appearance of an abscess in its tissues.

Usually, most of the possible consequences after a resection of the spleen is amenable to therapy. Therefore, the mortality rate is very low. Patients who have undergone surgery are able to continue to live fully, but should be attentive to their state of health and, if the slightest deviations are found, contact a doctor.

Surgery to treat the spleen is required in the following cases:

• trauma (as a consequence of tissue crushing, tears more than 70% deep, multiple tears in the body of the organ, unsuccessful attempts to suture the organ);
• malignant tumor, progressive cyst;
• some diseases (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia, abscess, organ vascular thrombosis, anemia).

In 20-87% of cases, surgery is aimed at the complete removal of the organ (splenectomy). This intervention, like the removal of appendicitis, can be performed by the method of laparoscopy, that is, with special endoscopic instruments equipped with an optical system through small incisions.

Removal is carried out due to the loss of organ functionality. The indications for removal are:

1. Injury to the abdomen, which causes the spleen to rupture. This can cause life-threatening bleeding. A ruptured spleen is possible in a road traffic accident, a strong blow, while playing sports. The rupture often causes splenosis, a post-traumatic implantation of tissue in the spleen.
2. Splenomegaly is an abnormal enlargement of the spleen in its size. It can be inflammatory and non-inflammatory. The causes of the inflammatory increase are heart attack, viral and bacterial infections, abscess. Non-inflammatory increases are associated with diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, iron deficiency anemia, polymyositis, psoriasis, and gastrointestinal diseases. Common causes of splenomegaly are acute and chronic bacterial infections. Removal of an organ is prescribed in cases where conservative treatment does not bring positive results.
3. In idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, organ removal is most commonly prescribed. The disease occurs due to a reduced number of platelets, their pathological tendency to stick together develops multiple hemorrhages on the skin surface and mucous membrane. Pathology exists in the form of idiopathic, autoimmune and thrombotic purpura. Until today, the causes and mechanism of the development of pathology remain unknown. Genetic predisposition to the disease, which develops during physical and mental trauma, solar radiation, infections, is reliable. It is believed that the disease may have an immunoallergic basis, in which case the body produces antibodies that destroy its own platelets.
4. Spleen cancer is rare and difficult to diagnose. The initial stage of the disease has similar symptoms with all types of oncology. In the future, the development of the tumor increases the size of the spleen, there is severity and soreness in the region of the organ. Leukopenia, thrombopenia develop. Spreading, metastases affect neighboring organs. The main and only treatment for cancer is surgery to remove the spleen. In cases of early detection of cancer, a partial spelenectomy is performed. The operation removes malignant tissue with a small portion of healthy tissue. Treatment is consolidated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
5. An abscess is triggered by a spleen infarction. Often occurs due to a purulent-inflammatory disease of neighboring organs. An abscess can be triggered by twisting of the spleen pedicle, trauma. Purulent foci are single and multiple, deployed in different places. When a spleen abscess is diagnosed, an urgent operation is performed to remove it.

Other reasons for removing the spleen include blood diseases, vascular disorders, leukemia, and spleen cysts.

A healthy spleen is a guardian of health, but there are diseases and situations when its very presence harms a person or even threatens life. In these cases, it is removed:

• Open damage (injury or unsuccessful surgery);
• Closed damage (impact, fall from a height);
• Spontaneous rupture (with a tumor, some infectious diseases);
• With an excessive increase in the organ;
• With blood diseases (leukemia, hemolytic jaundice);
• An abscess that cannot be opened;
• Liver damage (cirrhosis);
• Lymphoma;
• With damaged blood vessels in the organ;
• Cyst;
• Hypersplenism (excessive activation of any one function);
• Heart attack.

Why remove the spleen? Indications for the operation

Removing the spleen (splenectomy) is surgery to remove a diseased or damaged spleen. This organ is located in the upper left part of the abdomen under the ribcage. Patients (including children) spend less than a week in the hospital. After laparoscopic surgery, a hospital stay can only last 1 to 2 days. The healing process takes 4 to 6 weeks.

What you need to know about splenectomy

• Anyone who undergoes a splenectomy needs to get a flu shot every year.
• Removal of the spleen is contraindicated in pregnancy.

The spleen helps the body fight bacteria and infections,

Conditions that may require removal of the spleen include the presence of:

• Abscess or cysts of the spleen.
• Blood clots (thrombosis) in the blood vessels of the spleen.
• Liver cirrhosis.
• Blood cell diseases such as idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP), hereditary spherocytosis, erythroblastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, and hereditary elliptocytosis. All these diseases are quite rare.
• Hypersplenism.
• Lymphomas, Hodgkin's disease and leukemia.
• Other types of tumors or cancers that affect the spleen.
• Sickle cell anemia.
• Splenic artery aneurysms (rare).
• Spleen infection or pus (abscess).
• Spleen injury.

How to remove the spleen

The spleen is removed under general anesthesia (that is, during sleep and painlessly). The surgeon can perform either open splenectomy or laparoscopic splenectomy.

For open surgery to remove the spleen:

• The surgeon makes an incision in the middle or left side of the abdomen, just below the ribs.
• He then finds the spleen and removes it.
• If the patient is undergoing cancer treatment, the surgeon examines the lymph nodes in the abdomen. They can also be removed.
• After carefully checking for bleeding in the abdomen, the surgeon closes the wound.

A laparoscope is an instrument with a tiny camera and a lighting device at the end. It allows the surgeon to see the surgical site through a very small incision. The surgeon makes three or four of these small incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope is inserted through one of them. Through the rest, other surgical instruments are introduced. To expand the abdominal cavity, it is filled with gas. This provides the surgeon with more space to work.

The surgeon uses a laparoscope and other instruments to remove the spleen. Typically, after laparoscopic surgery, the patient recovers faster and feels less pain than after open surgery. Not everyone may be a candidate for laparoscopic surgery. A doctor should be consulted to determine if it is an appropriate treatment option.

When is splenectomy necessary?

The risks associated with any surgical procedure include:

• Blood clots in the legs that can enter the lungs.
• Breathing problems.
• Infections, including in the area of ​​a surgical wound, in the lungs (pneumonia), bladder, or liver.
• Blood loss.
• Heart attack or stroke during surgery.
• Drug reactions.

Risks and problems that may arise during or shortly after this operation include:

• Blood clots in the portal vein (an important vein that carries blood to the liver).
• Lung collapse.
• Hernia at the site of the surgical incision.
• Increased risk of infections after surgery (sepsis and other infections, with children at higher risk of such infections than adults).
• Damage to nearby organs such as the pancreas, stomach, and colon.
• Accumulation of pus under the diaphragm (subphrenic abscess).
• The risks for open and laparoscopic surgery are the same.

Preparing for surgery

Frequent doctor visits and certain tests and procedures may be required prior to surgery. Some of these include:

• Complete physical examination.
• Immunization with drugs such as pneumococcal vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae vaccine, and influenza vaccine.
• Blood tests, special imaging tests, and other tests to make sure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.
• Blood transfusion to get additional red blood cells and platelets in case you need them.
• In some cases, staying on a liquid diet for several days before surgery.

If the patient smokes, he should stop smoking for several weeks before the operation. Removing the spleen is a major operation, and smoking increases the risk of associated problems.

Patients should always tell their doctor or nurse:

• Actual or possible pregnancy.
• Drugs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including those sold without a prescription.

It may be recommended to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), clopidogrel (Plavix), vitamin E, warfarin (Coumadin), and other similar drugs. It will tell you what drugs should be taken on the day of surgery.

• No food or drink should be eaten after midnight on the night before surgery.
• The drugs prescribed by your doctor should be taken with a small sip of water.
• The time by which the patient must be in the hospital is specified.

Laparoscopic splenectomy (video)

Prognosis after splenectomy varies depending on the underlying disease or injury. Patients who do not have other severe injuries or medical problems usually recover from this surgery.

After the spleen is removed, infections are more likely to develop. Therefore, you should consult your doctor about getting the necessary vaccinations. Children may need to take antibiotic medications to prevent infections. Most adults do not need long-term antibiotics.

Other names: splenectomy; laparoscopic splenectomy; laparoscopic removal of the spleen.

Fatty and spicy foods should be removed from the diet after the spleen is removed.

Nature is smart. And if for some reason a person loses an organ, then other organs begin to perform part of his functions, thereby compensating for the shortage. In the case of a splenectomy, the lymphatic system and the liver are responsible for the body's immune defenses.

It is this organ that forms the immune response to the penetration of the virus, the inflammatory process. The consequence of its removal is the disruption of the body, the emergence of dissonance in the work of its systems.

The specifics of the spleen

The most important functions of the spleen are the formation of lymphocytes (blood elements), the destruction of damaged, old red blood cells, the accumulation of platelets. It participates in hematopoiesis and the work of the immune system, namely, it responds to antigens that enter it along with the blood. It is a reservoir of red blood cells, leukocytes (red and white blood cells) that form in the bone marrow and partially migrate to the spleen. When the body suffers from a serious disorder, such as a heart attack, they are sent to the problem area and replace dead blood cells. Also, the organ is involved in the destruction of harmful bacteria and malignant cells.

The spleen is an intermediate organ of the relationship between the circulatory system and hematopoiesis. It contains the so-called B-lymphocytes, which activate the immune response after a viral attack, inflammation. They release a compound that makes neutrophils (immune cells that attack and destroy harmful microorganisms) work. Some organ pathologies can be cured if diagnosed on time. Recently, more and more doctors have been using laser treatment of adenoids in children, the same technology effectively stops bleeding from the spleen capsule during surgery.

Advice: after splenectomy (removal of the spleen), the level of platelets in the blood should be monitored at least once every six months.

Indications for removal

Surgery to treat the spleen is required in the following cases:

• trauma (as a consequence of tissue crushing, tears more than 70% deep, multiple tears in the body of the organ, unsuccessful attempts to suture the organ);
• malignant tumor, progressive cyst;
• some diseases (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia, abscess, organ vascular thrombosis, anemia).

In 20-87% of cases, surgery is aimed at the complete removal of the organ (splenectomy). This intervention, like the removal of appendicitis, can be performed by the method of laparoscopy, that is, with special endoscopic instruments equipped with an optical system through small incisions.

The consequences of the operation for the body

The circulatory system after the operation is not functioning properly, therefore the risk of thrombosis of the hepatic veins, a decrease in the lobe of the lung (atelectasis) increases

After removing the spleen, the body loses one of the most important organs of destruction of damaged, old erythrocytes, recirculation (the process of decay and recovery) of iron. The immune system also deteriorates.

The spleen is an important organ of the circulatory and immune system that regulates the development of hematopoietic elements of the bone marrow and immune mechanisms. Therefore, the consequence is a weakening of the immune system, a person often suffers from infectious diseases (pneumonia, flu, measles, salmonellosis). After surgery, hernias often develop at the incision site. In many patients, the work of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted, nausea and a feeling of heaviness appear. The functions of the lost organ are partially taken over by the liver, which causes pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), cholecystitis (inflammation in the gallbladder).

How to support your body

1. Take a doctor-recommended anticoagulant to thin the blood to help prevent blood clots.
2. Reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases, vaccinate.
3. Visit a doctor for preventive examinations.
4. Follow the recommended diet.
5. Strengthen immunity.

Advice: after removal of the organ, it is necessary to vaccinate with pneumococcal vaccine once a year (preferably in spring).

Resection, splenectomy of the spleen is not a verdict, carrying out such interventions allows you to live practically without problems and serious consequences (not like after surgery to remove the thyroid gland). But in order to support your body, you need to regularly conduct preventive examinations with a hematologist, maintain immunity, and lead a healthy lifestyle. Compliance with these recommendations will make it possible to minimize the danger and create a good environment for the effective operation of all body systems.

Life after removal of the spleen. How to avoid the consequences

Each organ in the human body performs its own significant role. And many are worried about how the removal of the spleen will affect the health, the consequences of such an operation. After all, this small organ is a massive storage of blood, which allows you to restore blood balance disorders, and also performs a number of auxiliary functions important for life.

What happens in the body without a spleen

Can you live without a spleen? Given the importance of this organ for the body, the consequences after removal of the spleen are very diverse. But this does not mean that such an operation will lead to death or serious illness. There are times when a person does not have this organ from birth.

It is possible to live without a spleen, but since a person needs all organs for full life, the operation is performed only in exceptional cases. The consequences of splenectomy largely depend on the degree of organ damage, as well as on the reasons that led to the surgical intervention and the patient's behavior during the rehabilitation period.

After its removal, most of the functions of the spleen are distributed among other organs. All of its main actions are distributed between the liver, bone marrow and lymph nodes. But no other organ can completely remove obsolete platelets from the blood. Therefore, people after surgery are prescribed special drugs that protect against the formation of blood clots.

The purpose of the spleen

This small organ is located in the abdomen behind the left side of the stomach. It is tightly bordered by the pancreas, intestines and kidney. Sometimes her close proximity makes it difficult to diagnose her condition.

For many years, the spleen was considered an additional organ that does not have much effect on the functioning of the whole organism. Modern medicine has identified several important functions in which it is directly involved:

• destruction of damaged unsuitable platelets and erythrocytes;
• protection against viruses and pathogenic bacteria;
• synthesis of immunoglobulin;
• control of the metabolic process in the body and the production of iron.

In addition, the organ performs a hematopoietic function during the uterine formation of the fetus. At present, all its features have not yet been fully studied.

The main reasons for removing an organ

In the human body, each organ is designed for a specific function. Spleen surgery is prescribed by a doctor only in case of irreparable pathological disorders.

Sometimes an indication for the removal of an organ may be the occurrence of an abscess - a purulent inflammation in the tissues of the organ.

Splenectomy

What is splenectomy. When diagnosing serious and irreparable deviations in the work of the spleen, a surgical procedure is performed to remove the diseased organ. This surgery is called splenectomy.

Modern methods of performing operations allow the removal of an organ without large incisions on the body. The procedure is performed using a laparoscope, an instrument that allows you to visually observe the abdominal cavity during surgery.

But there are still a number of contraindications for which only splenectomy with full access to the affected area should be performed:

• high degree of obesity in the patient;
• a significant increase in the size of the spleen.

After surgical removal, the organ is sent for histological examination. The operation is contraindicated for people with heart disease, problems with the respiratory system, as well as for women during pregnancy.

Consequences of splenectomy

Complications after surgery can occur immediately or during the recovery period. Removing the spleen can lead to the following consequences:

• change in blood count;
• disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system and problems with
• liver;
• inflammatory reactions in the body;
• bleeding;
• hernia of the abdominal cavity;
• decreased immune defense;
• dysfunctions of the phagocytic system;
• tendency to infectious infections;
• a significant increase in blood clotting.

Such consequences can develop due to a decrease in the body's defense reactions after removal of the spleen. Patients are especially at risk of developing complications in the first two years after surgery. At this time, people after splenectomy need to pay more attention to their health. And when such symptoms appear, you should immediately contact your doctor:

• sharp pain in the abdomen;
• high body temperature;
• shortness of breath;
• persistent sweating;
• vomiting, dizziness and nausea;
• prolonged diarrhea;
• blood, purulent discharge or inflammation of the skin in the places where the incisions were made during the operation;
• persistent cough;
• accelerated heartbeat.

The appearance of such signs after the operation requires an urgent examination, since the threat to life is not the absence of the spleen, but the complications that arise after its removal.

Rehabilitation

The duration of the rehabilitation period after splenectomy is one and a half months and depends on the nature of the indications that led to the surgical intervention. During the restoration of the body's work, doctors recommend:

• exclude strong physical activity;
• wash only in the shower;
• do not take alcoholic and carbonated drinks;
• constantly take walks in the fresh air;
• give up junk food - eat fruits and vegetables high in iron;
• monitor the purity of the body;
• do not self-medicate;
• make mandatory influenza vaccinations in the spring and fall;
• avoid contact with infectious patients, do not visit crowded places during epidemics.

People after surgery to remove the spleen are undesirable to visit countries where there is a risk of contracting malaria. Also, for two years, conduct regular clinical examinations and, at the first signs of malaise, seek help from a medical center.

Nutrition after spleen removal

Since many of the functions that the spleen performed are taken over by the liver, it is extremely important to follow the correct diet. The food included in the patient's diet should not put stress on the liver and organs of the digestive system.

Nutrition should be balanced and gentle in order to alleviate the consequences after removal of the spleen. Doctors advise patients to include only healthy foods in their diet. What can you eat after removing the spleen:

• unlimited fresh fruits;
• different vegetables;
• cereals from various cereals;
• lean meat and fish;
• drink at least one and a half liters of liquid per day;
• dairy products with low fat content.

To establish the outflow of bile, and improve liver function, choleretic medicinal herbs should be taken periodically. Herbal medicine is carried out only after consulting your doctor.

You can avoid problems with the digestive tract and facilitate the liver in the absence of a spleen if you exclude from the daily diet:

• heavy fatty foods;
• spicy dishes and seasonings;
• fat meat;
• alcohol and strong coffee;
• rich bakery and sweet confectionery;
• smoked meats;
• canned fish;
• cooking fats;
• Salo;
• dairy products with a high percentage of fat.

After removing the spleen, the diet should include foods rich in protein and carbohydrates. It is necessary to introduce foods into the body, which include iron. Dishes should be boiled or steamed. Food should be eaten without cholesterol, flavors and harmful fats.

It is possible to live in the field of spleen removal. Splenectomy poses no particular health threat. But in order to improve the quality and life expectancy of people in the absence of a spleen, it is necessary to comply with all doctor's prescriptions during the rehabilitation period and constantly protect themselves from infectious diseases.

And a little about secrets.

Have you ever tried to get rid of swollen lymph nodes? Judging by the fact that you are reading this article, the victory was not on your side. And of course you know not by hearsay what it is:

• the appearance of inflammation in the neck, armpits. in the groin.
• pain when pressing on the lymph node
• discomfort in contact with clothing
• fear of oncology

Now answer the question: does this suit you? Can inflamed lymph nodes be tolerated? And how much money have you already "poured" on ineffective treatment? That's right - it's time to end them! Do you agree?

and no problems with the lymphatic system

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In no way cancels the consultation of the attending physician.

If you find any symptoms, contact your physician.

Spleen removed: consequences of surgery

The unexpected happened ... Car sirens, flashing lights, people in white coats and lamps in the operating room. I came to my senses and heard the diagnosis - your spleen was removed. Another case is planned. But also a sad diagnosis, the doctor recommends splenectomy. A whole list with tests, hospitalization, lamps, anesthesia, resuscitation. The bottom line is that the spleen was removed.

What is this organ? What functions does it perform in the body? How to live on and what are the consequences, the forecast of the operation? The patient asks himself and the attending physician these questions. Let's try to understand this issue.

Spleen. What is this organ responsible for in the human body?

The spleen is located in the left hypochondrium between the 9th and 11th pair of ribs.

The spleen has long been considered a minor human organ. There was even an opinion that other organs should be protected, but this one is not a pity. This continued until its functions and structure were studied.

The spleen is saturated with blood vessels. Blood entering this organ receives a fresh portion of developing leukocytes - cells responsible for the body's immune defense.

In the spleen, obsolete blood cells, viruses, foreign particles that have entered the circulatory system are utilized. In addition, the organ is responsible for hematopoiesis and blood coagulation processes.

This organ is located in the left hypochondrium in the interval between the 9th and 11th pair of ribs. The appearance of the spleen is similar to that of a coffee bean. You can live without it. The person continues to lead an active lifestyle and does not become disabled.

Why remove the spleen? Indications for the operation

The spleen is removed when there is damage to the blood vessels in the organ itself.

There are no superfluous or unnecessary organs in the human body. And therefore, the spleen is removed only for vital reasons, and not obeying the wishes of the patient. Splenectomy is performed in the following cases:

• Organ injuries incompatible with the further performance of its functions.
• A ruptured spleen, whatever the cause. This can include trauma, medication, acute intoxication, tumors, and infectious diseases such as mononucleosis.
• Damage to the blood vessels in the spleen. Internal bleeding.
• HIV infection.
• Myelofibrosis is the replacement of bone marrow tissue with fibrous cords.
• Leukemia, organ tumors of various etiologies.
• Pathological enlargement of the spleen.

Surgical intervention can be urgent - usually due to trauma - and planned.

Splenectomy. How is the operation going

Splenectomy is surgery to remove the spleen.

In the 20th century, the removal of the spleen took place under general anesthesia. It was a broadband operation with a long recovery period.

Modern techniques allow you to save the organ, suture. Sometimes small areas of the already removed tissue of the spleen are sutured to the wall of the peritoneum.

They are able to grow and grow in size. When a volume of 1 cm is reached, the tissue is capable of performing the functions of a removed organ. Currently, full access splenectomy is performed in exceptional cases:

1. Increase in the linear dimensions of the spleen
2. Obesity of a patient with a large fat layer in the operating area.

In all other cases, splenectomy is performed using a laparoscope. The procedure itself lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour under general anesthesia. After the operation, the organ is sent for histological examination.

If the intervention took place without complications, then on the 4th day after the operation, the patient leaves the surgical department. Full recovery occurs within 1–1.5 months. It depends on the reasons that caused the surgical intervention - whether it was an injury, an emergency operation or a planned one, the patient's diagnosis.

Life after splenectomy. Immediate consequences and rules of conduct

Pain in the left hypochondrium after surgery should alert the patient.

All the consequences are conditionally divided into the immediate ones, which can occur immediately after the intervention or during the rehabilitation period, and the distant ones. And in fact, and in another case, much depends on the behavior of the patient. Immediate consequences of splenectomy:

• Bleeding
• Infection of the wound surface
• Injury of other organs and tissues
• Blood clots or blood clots
• Hernia at the site of insertion of instruments into the abdominal cavity
• Changes in blood count. This complication can persist throughout life.
• Sepsis
• Dysfunction of the liver and gastrointestinal tract

All these pathologies are considered the nearest and especially dangerous within 2 years after surgery. What should alert the patient during this period:

1. Severe pain in the operated area
2. Any signs of infection - pain, burning, purulent discharge, fever, chills
3. Bleeding or any other discharge from the insertion site
4. Cough
5. Nausea, vomiting, other dyspeptic disorders
6. Shortness of breath

The occurrence of any of these symptoms is a reason for an urgent visit to the doctor. The following actions will help reduce the risk of developing immediate complications:

• Laparoscopy is a gentle technique. But you must remember that your organ has been removed. Therefore, no feats of labor immediately after discharge.
• Check with your doctor when you can shower, swim. Taking a hot bath is temporarily postponed as the risk of bleeding increases.
• Don't overcool. This is a situation where it is better to sweat than freeze.
• Do not drive for 1.5 months after surgery.
• Do not go to crowded places. You have a weakened immune system, and any virus can develop into a serious illness.
• Do not take pain relievers that contain aspirin.
• Do not lift weights, athletics is also temporarily banned.
• Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• At any appointment, tell your doctor that your spleen has been removed.

Life after splenectomy. Long-term consequences

The consequence of removing the spleen may be the development of pancreatitis.

Long-term consequences arise and develop during life after the rehabilitation period.

Removal of any organ deals a blow to immunity, and with splenectomy, it is the organ that is involved in the formation of the defense of our body that is removed. Long-term consequences of spleen resection:

• Decreased immunity, and as a result, the risk of infection increases
• Blood clots in the blood vessels of the liver
• Development of pancreatitis
• Lung atelectasis - collapse or airlessness of the alveoli of the organ

The following recommendations can reduce the likelihood of developing long-term complications:

• Vaccination in the autumn-winter period against influenza.
• Avoid appearing in crowded places during epidemics. Do not stand in lines, do not travel in public transport, if possible, do not visit medical institutions.
• Before traveling to exotic countries, be sure to get all the recommended vaccinations.
• Periodically undergo a preventive examination and ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract system, take urine, blood tests - general and liver tests.
• Travel to countries where you can get malaria is not advisable.
• Don't forget about personal hygiene. After visiting public places, be sure to wash your hands. This will protect you from hepatitis.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle and eat right.
• Do not use medicinal products without a doctor's prescription and indications.
• For colds or other infectious diseases, consult a doctor immediately.

It's easy to stick to these rules. And not only after splenectomy, but also for patients with a complete set of organs. And the risk of long-term complications will tend to zero.

Fatty and spicy foods should be removed from the diet after the spleen is removed.

Nature is smart. And if for some reason a person loses an organ, then other organs begin to perform part of his functions, thereby compensating for the shortage. In the case of a splenectomy, the lymphatic system and the liver are responsible for the body's immune defenses.

Therefore, it is important to follow a gentle diet. In the rehabilitation period, it is aimed at reducing the load on the liver, injured peritoneum and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. In the future, it is recommended to adhere to the principles of a healthy diet. Remove from the diet:

• Heavy and fatty meals
• Hot spices and marinade
• Fat meat
• Deep-fried meals with a lot of fat
• Fatty rich bone broths and dishes based on them
• Strong coffee and spirits
• Cigarettes and narcotic drugs

What you can eat after removing the spleen:

1. Doctors recommend introducing a large amount of vegetables, both raw and cooked, into the diet.
2. Fruit in any quantity - fresh and cooked
3. Liquid at the rate of 30 g per 1 kg of patient weight
4. Cereal dishes
5. Dairy and fermented milk products with a low percentage of fat
6. Fish, meat - choose lean varieties or cuts. Steam or oven for the first time after surgery
7. Medicinal herbs that improve the outflow of bile and liver function should be drunk periodically in courses on the recommendation of a doctor

Prognosis for the patient after splenectomy

Removing the spleen is not a critical situation for the body.

How the patient will live after the operation, whether complications arise, depends on several factors:

• The reason why the operation was prescribed is trauma, tumors and of what genesis, infection, a critical increase in size. In malignant neoplasms, the prognosis is poor
• How the intervention was carried out - the method of carrying out, the percentage of blood loss, trauma to neighboring organs.
• The patient's condition after splenectomy - how quickly he recovered after anesthesia, the condition in intensive care
• Postoperative period - the rate of healing, the absence of inflammatory or infectious processes in the places where the instruments are inserted.
• Further behavior of the patient throughout life.

Removing the spleen is not a critical situation for the body. In general, the prognosis is favorable, since the functions of the organ are compensated. The duration and quality of a patient's life depend on the person's behavior at the stage of rehabilitation and in the future.

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Types of surgery to remove the spleen

Before talking about how the operation to remove the spleen is performed, you need to know what kind of organ it is and what functions it performs.

The spleen is the blood-forming organ of the human body. An indication for surgery can be tumors (both benign and malignant). The latter are called spleen cancer. This disease is aggravated by the absence of any symptoms at the initial stage. It is possible to detect changes only with a general diagnosis or taking a puncture.

This organ is small, located in the left hypochondrium. The dimensions of the spleen of a healthy person are 12x7x4 cm, weight g.

The spleen acts as a filter: various particles of a negative effect that enter the blood are broken down and absorbed by this organ. In addition, the spleen plays an important role in the immune system: it produces antibacterial substances that are able to resist external infections.

In addition, the spleen stores iron, which is so necessary for a good hemoglobin count. The spleen contains blood reserves that serve as a reserve. In the event of a shortage of blood, the spleen will open its reserves. Along with the spleen, similar functions are also performed by the lymph nodes, only for this reason the removal of the spleen does not entail any special restructuring in the body. Surgery to remove the spleen - splenectomy.

Splenectomy types

Operations to remove the spleen or part of it are carried out in different ways:

1. Laparotomic splenectomy. Surgery involves cutting the upper abdominal wall. An upper, median laparotomy is performed.
2. Transthoracic splenectomy. The spleen is removed through an incision in the chest area. The chest is opened, at the same time the diaphragm is dissected. After that, access to the abdominal cavity is opened.
3. Thoracolaparotomic splenectomy. The dissection is carried out both in the chest and in the abdominal cavity, in front of it.
4. Laparoscopic splenectomy. Small incisions are made in the abdomen and a laparoscopic technique is inserted through them.

When is removal of the spleen necessary?

Here is a list of diseases for which removal of the spleen is indicated:

1. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). It is impossible to cure this disease with medicines. ITP is characterized by the appearance of thrombocytopenia and hemorrhage.
2. Spherocytosis of hereditary genesis. The disease is characterized by hemolytic anemia, which may appear due to changes in the cell membrane of red blood cells. For sodium ions, excess membrane becomes problematic. Because of this, red blood cells become spherical, fragile and easily undergo spontaneous hemolysis.
3. Lymphomas of different types.
4. Blood cancer.
5. Spleen abscess.
6. Damage to the spleen of a different nature.

Laparoscopic splenectomy: surgical technique

This is the most popular method for removing the spleen. Operation progress:

1. Initially, general anesthesia is performed.
2. A puncture is made in the navel or an incision is made in the left side of the abdomen, and a laparoscope is inserted into the hole. Through this object, you can see the location of the internal organs of the peritoneum, it illuminates and shows the insides. For the operation, it is necessary to make several more incisions through which surgical devices will be inserted.
3. The next step is to close off the vessels that carry blood to the spleen.
4. After that, the organ itself is removed.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to switch from laparoscopic spleen surgery to open surgery. Such a measure can be taken based on the individual characteristics of the structure of human internal organs. Sometimes laparoscopically it is impossible to cut off the spleen, sometimes it may not be visualized. And therefore, in order to avoid complications right at the time of the operation, the tactics of conducting splenectomy can be revised.

The main advantages of laparoscopic splenectomy include:

• safer method in comparison with others;
• rarely occurring postoperative complications;
• the aesthetics of the abdomen is not disturbed;
• the patient experiences less pain compared to the open method;
• short recovery period.

Preparing for surgery

The preparatory period proceeds as follows:

1. The patient is examined.
2. Blood and urine are donated for tests.
3. Conducted a conversation with the patient on the issue of recently taken medications.
4. X-ray of the peritoneal organs to find out how correctly they are located.
5. Computed tomography is performed for almost the same purpose as x-rays, but in a more volumetric manner.
6. An electrocardiogram detects the work of the heart muscle.
7. Similar studies to assess the functioning of the spleen.
8. An analysis can be carried out to identify the work of red blood cells or platelets, how fast their destruction rate is.
9. Since the body is not able to properly fight infections without the spleen, it is advisable to get vaccinated against various infectious diseases before the operation.

If you have been treated before, taking various medications, then do not forget to inform your doctor about this.

It may be necessary to cancel them before the operation, temporary or permanent. These medicines include acetylsalicylic acid, other anti-inflammatory medicines, and blood thinners.

Restrictions on performing laparoscopic surgery

This limitation is the enlargement of the spleen. If the organ was slightly enlarged, then there are no contraindications to laparoscopy. Sometimes the spleen is so enlarged that it is impossible to remove it laparoscopically. This condition can be in the following diseases: bone marrow fibrosis, leukemia, hemolytic anemia, and others. An enlargement of the spleen by 20 cm or more does not make it possible to extract it by this method, since there is no room in the abdominal cavity.

Other restrictions on this type of operation include:

1. If, along with a disease of the spleen, there is cirrhosis of the liver and portal hypertension, since the pressure in the portal zone of the liver is increased.
2. Prohibited laparoscopic spleen surgery for women during the period of gestation and immediately after childbirth. But if the question is between life and death, laparoscopy can be performed on pregnant women.

After the operation has been performed, you need to keep in touch with the doctor and be constantly monitored. For the following symptoms, you will need to consult a doctor:

1. If there are signs of infectious diseases, chills, fever.
2. There is swelling, redness, or bloody discharge in the incision area.
3. Cough, shortness of breath, vomiting, or nausea.
4. Other symptoms that can be alarming.

Possible complications after removing the spleen

Like any other surgical procedure, splenectomy can leave behind possible complications:

1. Infectious lesions.
2. Continuous bleeding.
3. A hernia may appear at the site where the incision was made.
4. Blood clots.
5. Injury to adjacent organs.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to complications.

• overweight;
• nicotine;
• lack of vitamins in food;
• recent or chronic illnesses;
• diabetes;
• advanced age;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system or respiratory system;
• poor blood clotting.

In the postoperative period, the doctor will develop a special diet aimed at the correct recovery of the body.

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The famous expression of the pirates "Burst my spleen", as we know, is not so winged. Some people really face this unpleasant circumstance, while not even understanding what threatens the removal of the spleen. And then the doctors have no choice but to remove the injured organ, and the person - to continue life without the spleen.

Removal of the spleen - causes

However, a ruptured spleen is, unfortunately, not the only reason for organ removal. There are several reasons why this operation is performed:

This operation is called splenectomy. Today it is not life-threatening for the patient. After a standard operation, a long and clearly visible scar remains on the body of the operated person. Therefore, in recent years, the laparoscopic method of removing the spleen has become increasingly popular.

Consequences after removal of the spleen

The spleen is a very important organ that takes an active part in the hematopoietic process. It destroys old red blood cells and platelets, thereby regulating their number in the blood. This organ accumulates iron for the further formation of hemoglobin, and also, due to its ability to contract sharply, ejects blood into the vessels with a sharp decrease in its level (for example, due to injury).

Therefore, the removal of the spleen, despite the widespread belief that it is unnecessary for the body, of course, is stressful for it and requires colossal restructuring. At the same time, the patient's immunity is greatly reduced, and hence the ability to resist viruses and infections. Many functions of the spleen are taken over by the liver and

In the case of partial removal of the spleen, only the damaged tissue should be excised, after which the organ does not regenerate. Patients - adults and children. Recovery after open removal - 7 days, after minimally invasive - 1-2. A person can continue to live without this organ fully in the absence of problems (those operated on live for as many years as with the spleen).

Causes

An organ is removed for many reasons. The main one is its separation from the leg, rupture, crushing or damage as a result of severe trauma.

When is spleen removal required in adults and children?

• inflammation, tissue infection;
• the formation of tumors;
• negative reaction to taking certain medications;
• damage to the network of blood vessels in the organ.

The spleen should be removed from an adult and a child in the following cases:

• malignant tumor process due to metastasis in cancer in the gastrointestinal tract;
• trauma to the capsule or vascular pedicle of the spleen, when it is impossible to suture;
• hypersplenic syndrome (splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia);
• ineffectiveness of therapy for hemolytic anemia;
• primary or secondary neoplasms of the spleen.

Survey

Before the appointment of the operation, you need to draw up a bypass sheet, for which they carry out:

1. Collecting patient data and taking anamnesis.
2. Clinical studies, including: palpation of the projection area; a blood test to determine coagulability, the degree of thrombocytopenia.
3. Instrumental studies, including: ultrasound to determine the shape and size of the organ; scintigraphy, prescribed for autoimmune hemolytic disorders of the blood; with marked erythrocytes - with splenomegaly; induction by erythrocytes - with Werlhof's disease.
4. Additional examination: x-ray of the sternum; ECG; MRI or CT.

Differential diagnostics are carried out if necessary.

What are the requirements immediately before splenectomy?

1. eating liquid food;
2. taking a laxative to cleanse the intestines;
3. the need to drink anti-inflammatory medicines;
4. vaccination in order to prevent the development of infection in the body.

Executing the deletion

The spleen is excised under general anesthesia in one of two ways:

1. Laparoscopic, i.e. using a special instrument equipped with a camera and lighting device. Make 4 minimal incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope is inserted into one hole, and the instruments necessary for excision are inserted into the rest. At the same time, gas is injected into the cavity to expand the space between the internal organs and improve visibility. An examination is made to see if a second spleen is found. Isolation of the spleen from nearby tissues and blood flow. The organ is removed through a wide incision, which is sutured together with the rest.
2. By the abdominal method, involving a complete incision of the peritoneum in the center with the opening of the cavity. Such a seam takes longer to heal and hurts more.

If a second spleen is found, it should also be excised.

Training

If there is a suspicion of an organ rupture, intense bleeding has developed due to thrombocytopenia and the pressure has dropped sharply, an urgent operation is required. With a planned operation, the preparation of a person and an assessment of the state of his body are prescribed. To do this, in addition to the need to draw up a bypass sheet, it is carried out:

• assessment of medications taken;
• cessation of taking medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, Plavix, Clopidogrel, Warfarin to thin the blood.

Anesthesia

The operation to remove the spleen is carried out under general anesthesia, putting a person to sleep. Anesthesia acts as a pain reliever.

Splenectomy

The spleen is removed through 1 large incision or 4 small incisions. The operation takes about 45-60 minutes. After it, disability is not given, but you can challenge the decision and draw up documents.

Advantages

Minimally invasive surgery is characterized by less trauma and postoperative pain, in contrast to the open technique. After laparoscopy, a person bounces back faster and is less prone to complications. Removal of the spleen by this method is not shown to everyone. The decision depends on the age category of the patient, the condition and size of the affected organ. Laparoscopic surgery is not used for obesity, scarring of tissues from previous operations.

Open technique

Stages of the abdominal surgery to remove the damaged spleen:

1. an incision in the center of the abdomen or on the left, just below the ribs;
2. visualization of the spleen for subsequent excision;
3. if the reason for the intervention is cancer, the lymph nodes are examined;
4. with the defeat of which excision is also required;
5. careful check of bleeding;
6. closing the wound.

Laparoscopy

Stages of minimally invasive technique application:

1. creation of 3-4 small incisions for the introduction of a laparoscope and other instruments;
2. introduction of carbon dioxide into the cavity to facilitate viewing, in order to properly cut the spleen;
3. excision of the affected organ or part of it;
4. examination of the cavity for bleeding;
5. sanitation of the cavity;
6. closure of wounds.

Why might the method fail to apply? If the size of the organ is too large.

After operation

After the organ is removed, the patient is sent to the postoperative room. If there is a large loss of blood, a person needs a transfusion. The excised part of the removed spleen is submitted for analysis.

How long is it supposed to be in the hospital?

• after abdominal surgery - no more than 7 days in the absence of complications;
• with laparoscopy - 3-5 days with the normal course of rehabilitation.

• avoid washing the suture with water in the shower or bath for the first 3 days after the operation;
• frequent change of wet dressings to dry ones;
• the appointment of droppers or injections with anesthetic;
• checking the condition of the seams;
• special meals are not required. It is necessary to provide a complete nutritious and fortified menu.

The patient must be registered with a hematologist.

Rehabilitation

It is possible to completely restore the condition after splenectomy in 1-1.5 months.

1. it is supposed to wash in the shower;
2. drink light, non-aspirin-containing pain relievers for pain, if the seam hurts;
3. refusal from active physical activity;
4. refusal to drive a car for 1.5 months;
5. proper nutrition and diet with fresh vegetables, herbs;
6. iron fruits. Refusal from harmful, carcinogenic food;
7. it is supposed to give up smoking, alcohol, soda;
8. to engage in sports;
9. to walk outside.

Complications

Penetration into the abdominal cavity causes the following consequences of removing the spleen:

Seam problems:

• infection;
• the development of a hernia;
• prolapse of internal organs.

Specific complications after spleen removal:

• chronic changes in the composition of the blood and the shape of blood cells;
• blockage of the pulmonary artery and cerebral vessels due to increased clotting;
• immune dysfunction;
• susceptibility to purulent infectious pathologies;
• sepsis;
• decrease in the production of immunoglobulins;
• phagocytic dysfunction.

The period of the first two years after the operation is especially dangerous from the point of view of weakness of immunity. If you do not take care of yourself, they will give you a disability due to the development of complications. An annual flu shot is recommended.

An urgent need to go to the doctor if the following signs appear:

Forecast

Mortality with planned and selective splenectomy is 1-3%. During urgent operations required for trauma or sepsis, death is threatened in 15% of cases. Complications are life-threatening.

People will not formalize disability after excision, since without the spleen, the patient lives a full life without dysfunctions of the body.

Prophylaxis

It will be possible to fully live after removing the spleen if you follow all the doctor's recommendations:

• a gentle diet for the spleen, so as not to overload the liver;
• supporting the body with medicines, multivitamins to prevent infections;
• careful visit to crowded places, especially the first 2 years after the intervention;
• additional vaccination;
• avoiding visiting countries where hepatitis or malaria is common;
• frequent medical examinations;
• protection against hypothermia, acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections.

After the operation, the child is prescribed antibiotic therapy and annual flu vaccinations.

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How is the spleen removed?

After some time, the consequences of the operation will cease to be felt, and other organs will partially take over the functions of the spleen.

The main thing is to understand why this happened so that the reasons that caused pathological changes in the body do not provoke the emergence of new health problems.

Spleen functions and indications for removal

The spleen is located in the abdomen, to the left behind the ribs and stomach.

In a normal state, the spleen is small, so it cannot be felt during the examination and does not manifest itself in ordinary life. Many people don't even know where the organ is located.

Despite the absence of visible manifestations of activity, the functions of the spleen are very important for ensuring the normal functioning of the body and maintaining human health in general.

The spleen takes part in hematopoiesis and is the largest organ of the lymphatic system:

• produces circulating lymphocytes and monocytes;
• accumulates platelets;
• cleans the blood from destroyed particles;
• promotes the production of bile;
• supports metabolic processes.

Under the influence of abnormal development, diseases, infections and injuries, the spleen loses its functionality. In such cases, doctors recommend removing the spleen.

Since the spleen is not a vital organ, the consequences of the operation do not affect the general well-being of a person.

It is possible to understand in what cases doctors decide to remove the spleen if we assess the situation from the point of view of the expediency of treatment.

The consequences of some pathological processes in the body can seriously worsen the patient's health. If the operation is not carried out in time, then the patient's life will be in jeopardy.

Most often, organ removal is prescribed if the following reasons are diagnosed:

Answering the question of what diseases may require surgery on the spleen, doctors call a whole list of pathologies: cirrhosis of the liver, stagnation of venous blood leading to portal hypertension syndrome, typhoid fever, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus.

Features of the intervention

Surgery to remove the spleen is called splenectomy and can be done through two different methods - open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopy.

The choice of the method of performing the operation on the spleen is determined by the attending physician, focusing on the general clinical picture and after a thorough examination of the patient.

In some cases, an emergency operation is possible. This applies to situations where the consequences of trauma caused open or closed damage to the spleen, when the rupture of the organ membrane threatens with bleeding and the patient's life is in danger.

Laparoscopy is a micro-operation performed with special equipment. A laparoscope is a tube equipped with fiber optics and a video camera. With its help, the surgeon can perform all the necessary manipulations with the spleen.

The operation takes place under general anesthesia. Through several small incisions, the laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity.

The optical fiber provides illumination of the inner abdominal area, and the video camera records the image and transmits it to the computer screen.

During the operation, the surgeon separates the spleen from the vessels and tissues, and then removes the organ using a vacuum pump.

Laparoscopy does not cause significant pain, avoids postoperative infectious processes.

A positive clinical effect is observed from the first days, and within a week after the laparoscopy, the patient can live a normal life.

Free legal advice:

Laparoscopy is contraindicated with a significant increase in the size of the spleen, a high degree of obesity and the presence of cicatricial changes on the surface of the organ.

Open surgery is prescribed when it is not possible to separate the tissues surrounding the spleen using a laparoscope.

Also, splenectomy is indicated for patients whose anatomical location of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity does not allow the laparoscope to obtain a clear image of the spleen.

Open splenectomy involves removing an organ under general anesthesia through an incision in the middle or left side of the abdomen.

After abdominal surgery, the patient does not have an opportunity to live a normal life earlier than in a month.

There is a group of patients for whom surgery is contraindicated. This applies to: women during pregnancy and people with diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Preparing for surgery

For the operation to be successful, it is necessary to prepare the body for its implementation.

Preparatory measures include a full medical examination, vaccination, immunization, testing, and in some cases, a blood transfusion. In addition, the patient is prescribed a special diet.

For the week before surgery to remove the spleen, drugs such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Coumadin, Clopidogrel, and vitamin E should be limited.

With appropriate individual indications, a liquid diet is prescribed. Eating and drinking is prohibited on the day of surgery.

Some restrictions in the menu apply to the postoperative period. In particular, a sparing diet is prescribed, limiting the use of refractory fats, foods high in cholesterol.

The therapeutic diet after the operation provides for nutrition that allows not only to reduce the load on the body, but also to restore the functions that were previously provided by the spleen.

Such a diet includes: dried or yesterday's bread, vegetable soups and broths, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, vegetables, cereals, berries

The diet should not include baked goods, salty, spicy and fatty broths and soups from mushrooms, fish, chicken and other types of meat, canned food, cream, sour cream, smoked foods, green onions, sorrel, garlic, chocolate, coffee, cocoa.

The use of fried, spicy, salty and pickled foods and alcohol is unacceptable.

Features of life after surgery

Many patients are interested in the question of whether disability is due after surgery to remove the spleen.

Doctors answer that disability in this case is not given, since a person who underwent splenectomy does not lose the ability to work.

According to the law, disability is prescribed to those patients who have partially or completely lost their ability to work.

The main criteria by which disability is established are such disabilities as the loss of the ability to:

• self-service;
• training;
• movement;
• orientation;
• control of behavior;
• labor activity.

In addition, disability can be established in the presence of concomitant diseases and complications. In any case, in order to get a disability, you must go through a special medical commission.

It is possible to live without a spleen, but in order to maintain the quality of life and health at an acceptable level, it is necessary to constantly pay attention to the prevention of infectious diseases.

You should get a flu shot every year, take antibiotics with you on long trips, and remember that a healthy diet and a healthy diet are the keys to good health.

The consequences of removing the spleen. The function of the spleen in the human body

In life, you can face a variety of situations. Some of them are sometimes unforeseen. Especially when it comes to health. In this article, I would like to consider the consequences of removing the spleen, as well as the functions of this organ. How normal can a patient's life be after splenectomy?

The main thing about this body

Initially, you need to understand what the spleen is. More recently, this organ was treated as a secondary one, calling it the second liver. And the ancient Aesculapians believed that it secretes black bile, therefore, it negatively affects the mood and well-being of a person. But this is fundamentally wrong. It is a small, fist-sized organ. The main function of the spleen is to destroy white blood cells and red blood cells, as well as help the body fight various infections. This is the so-called bacteria filter. But that's not all. An equally important function of the spleen is the regulation of hematopoiesis processes, as well as blood clotting. But still, scientists say that you can live without this organ.

When can a spleen removal be relevant?

It is worth noting that all organs must perform their function in the body with high quality. But it also happens that sometimes something has to be removed; according to the testimony of doctors, something needs to be disposed of. What are the indications for the removal of this organ?

• Severe injury to the spleen, after which it cannot perform its functions efficiently.
• Organ rupture. This can be due to inflammation, infection, swelling, or even taking certain medications.
• It is also necessary to remove the spleen in case of damage to the blood vessels in it.
• This organ is often disposed of in diseases of the immune system such as HIV infection.

Diseases in which removal of the spleen may also be indicated: myelofibrosis (when fibrous tissue forms in the bone marrow), lymphoma or leukemia, spleen abscess, tumor, splenomegaly (enlargement of this organ).

A few words about the operation

The operation to remove the spleen is called splenectomy in medicine. But the doctor cannot prescribe it just like that. This is preceded by a number of medical procedures. What should the patient do?

1. Pass a medical examination, take blood and urine tests.
2. Also, an abdominal X-ray, ultrasound is prescribed, computed tomography can be prescribed.
3. An electrocardiogram will be mandatory, where the work of the heart muscle will be studied.

You also need to analyze the patient's sensitivity to various medications. In this case, the patient must also tell the doctor what medications he is taking. After all, some of them must be excluded before the operation. For example, you will have to give up drugs that thin the blood (drugs "Clopidogrel" or "Warfarin") or have an anti-inflammatory effect (for example, the drug "Aspirin").

The operation can be open (removal of the organ through an incision) or it can be performed by laparoscopy (a small, almost invisible incision will be made through which a tube is inserted). Previously, the patient will be given general anesthesia, due to which the patient will sleep during the operation.

What happens immediately after surgery

After removing the spleen, the patient is sent to the recovery room. It so happens that a patient needs a blood transfusion if there was blood loss during an operation. The organ itself is sent for diagnostics, for testing.

After the operation, the patient will not stay in the hospital for long, about 3-5 days. If complications arise, the patient will be left for a longer period.

A few words about disability

What is the legal risk of removing the spleen? Disability in such cases is not established. The maximum that a person can count on is a certain percentage of disability. And only if there are very good reasons for this.

What will happen to the body?

Many people are interested in the question: what are the consequences of removing the spleen? Can the body live and function normally without this organ? It should be noted here that events can develop in different ways. But I must say that immunity will be significantly affected by this. That is, a person has an increased risk of infections and colds. Therefore, you will have to take great care of yourself. The relevance of vaccination is also increasing.

Considering the various consequences of removing the spleen, it should be noted that in this case, you can not only easily "pick up" the infection. At the same time, a person is also very difficult to tolerate any disease. Often it is overgrown with all kinds of complications. The risk of death from even the seemingly common cold also increases. Those who have experienced surgery in the last couple of years, as well as babies under 5 years of age, are most susceptible to this.

Rules of conduct after removal of the spleen

Any surgical intervention is a severe stress for the body. Especially if a certain organ has been removed. So, after splenectomy, it is very important to constantly support yourself, help your body. In this case, you need to:

• Eat a light diet.
• Conduct the prevention of colds.
• At times of increased risk of contracting various diseases, avoid visiting crowded places.
• It is important to vaccinate against certain diseases that can ultimately become fatal to humans.
• On trips, one should go to safe countries where medicine is developed and where there is no risk of contracting malaria or hepatitis.
• Periodically, you need to go for preventive examinations, and you will also have to visit your doctor more often.

And so that the consequences of removing the spleen do not turn into something dangerous, you just need to pay a little more attention to your body, protecting it from various infections.

Diet after removal of the spleen

Well, at the very end, I want to tell you what the diet should be. After all, nutrition after removing the spleen is special. So, it is best that all dishes are steamed or cooked. Avoid fatty, fried, salty and peppery foods. It is recommended to use bread only from yesterday's baked goods, soups should be cereal. We must give preference to cereals, soups, vegetarian borscht, poultry, fish, dairy products. You also need to consume berries, vegetables and fruits. All food should be low-fat.

You will have to completely abandon marinades, fatty meats, lard, smoked meats, cream products, coffee, chocolate, cooking fats.

The daily intake of protein should be 100 grams, carbohydrates - 300 grams, fat - only 80. You should also not consume more than 3000 kcal in one day.

The importance of the spleen: consequences of removal for humans

The human body is a complex system of interconnected organs and tissues. There is nothing superfluous in the body: removing the spleen will have consequences.

Since the spleen does not belong to vital organs, it is generally accepted that nothing will change significantly from its absence. Let's see if this is so.

Organ functions

The spleen is a single oval-shaped organ, in fact, a bladder located in the left hypochondrium, just to the left of the stomach.

The inner tissue of the spleen is called the pulp, it is divided into red and white: the red part contains blood elements, the white part consists of lymphoid tissue, which produces lymphocytes. From above, the organ is covered with dense connective tissue, which serves as a kind of capsule.

The function of the spleen has long been incomprehensible to doctors. Healers of the past surrounded her with an aura of mystery, believing that it was she who secretes black bile, which drives a person into a blues, makes him angry and bilious.

In our time, it was considered a gland without excretory ducts, therefore, it was attributed to the endocrine organs, considering that it hormonally regulates the work of the bone marrow. Recent organ studies have shown that the spleen is a lymphoid organ and belongs to the immune system.

This organ is very important for human health:

• Forms humoral (antibodies can separate from the cell, move along the lymphatic bed and infect foreign bodies at any distance) and cellular (lymphocytes create receptors that are fixed strictly on the cell membrane, kill foreign cells only with direct contact) immunity;
• It is a kind of blood filter: in a minute it passes about 200 ml of blood through itself, separating defective or obsolete cells from the bloodstream, accumulates them, and then destroys them;
• Accumulates iron, which is necessary to build erythrocytes;
• It retains monocytes, lymphocytes, platelets and a supply of erythrocytes, which, in case of an acute shortage of them in the body, are thrown into the bloodstream.

Indications for removal

A healthy spleen is a guardian of health, but there are diseases and situations when its very presence harms a person or even threatens life. In these cases, it is removed:

• Open damage (injury or unsuccessful surgery);
• Closed damage (impact, fall from a height);
• Spontaneous rupture (with a tumor, some infectious diseases);
• With an excessive increase in the organ;
• With blood diseases (leukemia, hemolytic jaundice);
• An abscess that cannot be opened;
• Liver damage (cirrhosis);
• Lymphoma;
• With damaged blood vessels in the organ;
• Cyst;
• Hypersplenism (excessive activation of any one function);
• Heart attack.

Contraindications

When making a decision about an operation, doctors weigh what the removal will bring to the patient more - benefit or harm. If, for some reason, complications that threaten the patient's life are possible, the operation is abandoned. There are few such situations, but they are all extremely serious:

• If the patient has severe diseases of the cardiovascular system (the heart may not tolerate anesthesia);
• Severe pulmonary diseases (it is impossible to use anesthesia);
• Coagulopathy that cannot be controlled (blood clotting cannot be increased);
• The body's tendency to form adhesions (adhesions that have arisen after surgery can limit the functions of other organs);
• Terminal stage of cancer.

Operation: preparation and conduct

Before the operation, the patient undergoes training, which includes tests and apparatus examination:

• Various analyzes of urine and blood;
• Electrocardiogram;
• Abdominal x-ray;
• Ultrasound of the spleen and neighboring organs;
• CT (according to individual indications);
• Two weeks before the operation, a preventive vaccination is mandatory;
• All drugs that can thin the blood (aspirin, Plavix) are canceled;
• Find out the presence of an allergic reaction to medications.

There are two types of splenectomy:

1. Abdominal surgery: The peritoneal wall is incised and the muscles are expanded. The ligaments holding the spleen are cut off, and the vessels are clamped with staples. The spleen is removed and, if there is no bleeding, the wound is sutured, a sterile bandage is applied on top;
2. Laparoscopy: Several small incisions are made in the peritoneal wall. Gas is pumped into the cavity so that there is a free space for working with tools. A laparoscope is inserted into the other hole, it transmits the image to the screen. Instruments are inserted through the remaining incisions and the spleen is amputated.

Postoperative period

If there are no complications immediately after the operation, the patient will be discharged from the hospital in a week.

The functions of the removed organ are taken over by the liver and lymph nodes. But it takes time for the body to rebuild. Rehabilitation usually takes 2-3 months. The patient must follow the doctor's instructions regarding behavior in everyday life and diet:

• You should not be in crowded places, because after amputation of the spleen, immunity decreases, which means that the body becomes vulnerable to pathogenic viruses;
• For the same reason, vaccination with antiviral drugs is necessary during influenza season;
• We must stop traveling to countries where malaria and hepatitis are common;
• Immunostimulants and herbal teas should be taken, which can increase the body's resistance to infections;
• Even if nothing bothers you, for prevention, you should visit a doctor from time to time.

A diet is also very important, which provides only permitted foods that need to be boiled or baked, but not fried in any way:

• Foods with a high protein content (lean fish and meat, poultry);
• Boil cereals in water;
• Vegetable soups;
• Kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese;
• Vegetables (peas, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, garlic);
• Fruit;
• Berries (currants, strawberries, watermelon);
• Only yesterday's bread;
• Nuts;
• Milk, tea.

• Fatty meat and offal (kidneys, brains);
• Salo;
• Eggs in any form;
• Any canned food;
• Sour fruits and berries;
• Freshly baked rolls and breads;
• Sweets;
• Alcohol and drinks with gas, coffee and cocoa;
• Condiments, vinegar, mustard, pepper;
• Radish, radish, horseradish, mushrooms;
• Everything is pickled and smoked;
• Salt can only be 10 grams per day.

As for physical activity, the first loads are possible only after a month. This is simple gymnastics, walking, exercises in the water.

Consequences

Any invasive intervention in the body can have negative consequences, they can also be after splenectomy:

1. In the blood plasma, the amount of protective proteins decreases, which leads to a violation of the phagocytic function. Patients become susceptible to purulent infections and this can result in sepsis. This is especially dangerous in the first two years after surgery;
2. The risk of getting sick with hypothermia increases;
3. The body's defenses are very reduced, so there are more "chances" to get sick with pneumonia, meningitis, hepatitis;
4. The liver or gallbladder may malfunction.

The consequences after surgery to remove the spleen are the same for both men and women.

After the operation, the composition of the blood changes:

• If the number of platelets is increased, then thromboembolism of the cerebral vessels, heart thrombosis is possible. To prevent this from happening, patients are prescribed blood thinning medications that prevent platelets from sticking together;
• Possible leukocytosis, that is, an increased content of leukocytes in the blood.

Watch a video on the consequences of removing the spleen:

The compensatory capabilities of the human body are enormous.

Life without a spleen does not end; other organs take over its functions.

So that the quality of life does not change for the worse, a person must be attentive to his health: to raise his immunity in every possible way, beware of infections, eat right, not self-medicate and check with a doctor from time to time.

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Attention! The materials on the site are published for informational purposes only and under no circumstances can be considered a substitute for medical advice with a specialist in a medical institution. The site administration is not responsible for the results of using the posted information. For diagnostics and treatment, as well as prescribing medications and determining the regimen for their intake, we recommend that you consult a doctor. Remember: self-medication is dangerous!

The unexpected happened ... Car sirens, flashing lights, people in white coats and lamps in the operating room. I came to my senses and heard the diagnosis - you were removed. Another case is planned. But also a sad diagnosis, the doctor recommends splenectomy. A whole list with tests, hospitalization, lamps, anesthesia, resuscitation. The bottom line is that the spleen was removed.

What is this organ? What functions does it perform in the body? How to live on and what are the consequences, the forecast of the operation? The patient asks himself and the attending physician these questions. Let's try to understand this issue.

The spleen is located in the left hypochondrium between the 9th and 11th pair of ribs.

The spleen has long been considered a minor human organ. There was even an opinion that other organs should be protected, but this one is not a pity. This continued until its functions and structure were studied.

The spleen is saturated with blood vessels. Blood entering this organ receives a fresh portion of developing leukocytes - cells responsible for the body's immune defense.

In the spleen, obsolete blood cells, viruses, foreign particles that have entered the circulatory system are utilized. In addition, the organ is responsible for hematopoiesis and blood coagulation processes.

Life after splenectomy. Immediate consequences and rules of conduct

Pain in the left hypochondrium after surgery should alert the patient.

All the consequences are conditionally divided into the immediate ones, which can occur immediately after the intervention or during the rehabilitation period, and the distant ones. And in fact, and in another case, much depends on the behavior of the patient. Immediate consequences of splenectomy:

• Infection of the wound surface
• Injury of other organs and tissues
• Blood clots or blood clots
• at the site of introduction of instruments into the abdominal cavity
• Changes in blood count. This complication can persist throughout life.
• Sepsis
• Dysfunction of the liver and gastrointestinal tract

All these pathologies are considered the nearest and especially dangerous within 2 years after surgery. What should alert the patient during this period:

1. Severe pain in the operated area
2. Any signs of infection - pain, purulent discharge, fever, chills
3. Bleeding or any other discharge from the insertion site
4. Cough
5. , vomiting, other dyspeptic disorders
6. Shortness of breath

The occurrence of any of these symptoms is a reason for an urgent visit to the doctor. The following actions will help reduce the risk of developing immediate complications:

• Laparoscopy is a gentle technique. But you must remember that your organ has been removed. Therefore, no feats of labor immediately after discharge.
• Check with your doctor when you can shower, swim. Taking a hot bath is temporarily postponed as the risk of bleeding increases.
• Don't overcool. This is a situation where it is better to sweat than freeze.
• Do not drive for 1.5 months after surgery.
• Do not go to crowded places. You have a weakened immune system, and any virus can develop into a serious one.
• Do not take pain relievers that contain aspirin.
• Do not lift weights, athletics is also temporarily banned.
• Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• At any appointment, tell your doctor that your spleen has been removed.

Life after splenectomy. Long-term consequences

The consequence of removing the spleen may be the development of pancreatitis.

Long-term consequences arise and develop during life after the rehabilitation period.

Removal of any organ deals a blow to immunity, and with splenectomy, it is the organ that is involved in the formation of the defense of our body that is removed. Long-term consequences of spleen resection:

• Decreased immunity, and as a result, the risk of infection increases
• Blood clots in the blood vessels of the liver
• Development
• Lung atelectasis - collapse or airlessness of the alveoli of the organ

The following recommendations can reduce the likelihood of developing long-term complications:

• Vaccination in the autumn-winter period against influenza.
• Avoid appearing in crowded places during epidemics. Do not stand in lines, do not travel in public transport, if possible, do not visit medical institutions.
• Before traveling to exotic countries, be sure to get all the recommended vaccinations.
• Periodically undergo a preventive examination of the gastrointestinal tract system, take urine and blood tests - general and liver tests.
• Travel to countries where you can get malaria is not advisable.
• Don't forget about personal hygiene. After visiting public places, be sure to wash your hands. This will keep you safe from.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle and eat right.
• Do not use medicinal products without a doctor's prescription and indications.
• For colds or other infectious diseases, consult a doctor immediately.

It's easy to stick to these rules. And not only after splenectomy, but also for patients with a complete set of organs. And the risk of long-term complications will tend to zero.

Fatty and spicy foods should be removed from the diet after the spleen is removed.

Nature is smart. And if for some reason a person loses an organ, then other organs begin to perform part of his functions, thereby compensating for the shortage. In the case of splenectomy, the lymphatic system begins to respond to the body's immune defense and.

Therefore, it is important to follow a gentle diet. In the rehabilitation period, it is aimed at reducing the load on the liver, injured peritoneum and other organs. In the future, it is recommended to adhere to the principles of a healthy diet. Remove from the diet:

• Heavy and fatty meals
• Hot spices and marinade
• Fat meat
• Deep-fried meals with a lot of fat
• Fatty rich bone broths and dishes based on them
• Strong coffee and spirits
• Cigarettes and narcotic drugs

What can you eat after removing the spleen.

Each organ in our body plays some important role. The spleen is no exception. It is important to note that it plays an important role in the functioning of the immune and hematopoietic systems, which is why any violation in it can affect the entire body as a whole, and then the only correct solution may be to remove the organ. Therefore, the question of whether a person can live without a spleen and how this will affect performance is of concern to many.

In order to get an unambiguous answer, it is necessary to assess in more detail the structure and function of the spleen and find out how the patient's life can change after its removal.

The structure of the spleen

The spleen is located on the left side of the abdominal cavity. This is a rather large unpaired lymphoid organ, which in shape resembles an elongated hemisphere. In its structure, the spleen has two surfaces: an outer convex and an inner concave. The first one is completely covered with connective tissue. And the second consists of a pulp of two colors - white and red.

1. The red part of the pulp consists of venous vessels and is responsible for the processing of cells of foreign units and control of the state of old platelets and erythrocytes.
2. The white part is responsible for protecting the immune system from external factors.

Between the red and white parts of the pulp, there is a marginal zone responsible for the antibacterial protection of a person.

In the human body, the spleen begins to form during uterine development at 6-7 weeks. The development of the organ begins in the form of an accumulation of cells, in which blood vessels appear on the 3-5th month, and the outline of the organ is outlined. Throughout life, its structure and composition may change.

Functions of the spleen in the human body

In order to understand in more detail what the consequences may be after splenectomy, it is important to know what the spleen is responsible for in the human body:

1. For the metabolic processes of the body - participates in the production of bile, destroying damaged platelets and erythrocytes.
2. The spleen is responsible for the production of antibodies to various kinds of infections and viruses, as well as for the formation of leukocytes.
3. While the child is in the womb, the spleen works as an organ of hematopoiesis of the fetus; after the birth of the baby, the bone marrow takes over this function.
4. According to some reports, the spleen is also responsible for hormonal regulation of the human brain.

Now it is clear what functions the spleen performs in the human body. But what are the consequences of its absence?

Reasons for removing the spleen

The reasons for removing the spleen can be both external and internal factors, the main of which are:

1. Accidents, injuries when falling or during sports activities and training.
2. Malignant organ damage.
3. Some types of blood cancer.
4. Tuberculosis or purulent lesion of the spleen.
5. Hemolytic or aplastic anemia.
6. Ineffectiveness of drug and hormonal therapy.

Risks and consequences of splenectomy

After removal of the spleen, if all medical recommendations are not followed, very serious complications are possible, which in some cases can lead to the death of the patient:

1. The development of meningitis, pneumonia and infection with viral infections.
2. Development of pancreatitis, malfunctions and disturbances in the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Hernia formation at the sites of tissue dissection and infection in the postoperative scar.

The main peak in the development of any complications after removal of the spleen occurs in the first two years after the operation. If the infection is not detected in time and is not neutralized in a short time, then this can soon lead to the death of the patient. In connection with the foregoing, it is during this period that any infection should be avoided into the body. But, despite this, when asked whether a person can live without a spleen, the answer is yes.

Survival prognosis after spleen removal

When a splenectomy is prescribed by a doctor, many patients are interested in the question of whether a person can live without a spleen. After all, organ transplantation is a very rare and expensive operation, the queues for which are quite long. Also, people are worried about how long they live after removing the spleen.

The prognosis of the patient's survival after organ removal is quite favorable, since such an operation is not critical. In general, a favorable outcome depends on how the patient correctly and carefully adheres to all the recommendations and advice of the attending physician.

What happens in the body after spleen removal surgery

After that, the following changes occur in the human body:

1. Immunity is sharply reduced.
2. In the blood plasma, the concentration of proteins decreases, which leads to the fact that a person becomes more susceptible to the entry of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and infections into the body.
3. An increase in platelet volume is possible, which leads to the risk of thromboembolism, and therefore, the patient is injected with drugs that thin the blood almost immediately after the operation.
4. The number of leukocytes in his blood increases dramatically.

All changes that occur after the removal of the spleen are eliminated with the help of drug therapy during the rehabilitation period. And after a while, all indicators will return to normal.

Features of the patient's life after removal of the spleen

After removing the spleen, the patient begins a recovery period, which can last from 1 to 3 months. The doctor, both before and after the operation, must explain to the patient how to live without a spleen, tell what diet to sit on, and outline in detail the list of prohibited foods and actions. The patient, in turn, must be under the regular supervision of a doctor and unquestioningly follow all his recommendations. This is the only way to avoid most of the unpleasant consequences and complications after the operation.

1. Do not take a hot bath after spleen removal surgery.
2. All heavy physical activity should be excluded.
3. The patient should avoid visiting a large crowd of people, and also not come into contact with people with viral or bacterial infection. As a rule, at the first symptoms of any disease, do not leave everything to chance and self-medicate, but immediately contact your doctor.
4. In the cold season, vitamins and immunostimulants should be taken to prevent the development of colds. Avoid hypothermia.

Due to the fact that after removal of the spleen, the liver has a double load, the patient needs to follow a strict diet for the rest of his life. Food should be balanced and easily digestible. You need to eat often and in small portions, avoid overeating. After removing the spleen, the patient is allowed the following products:

• lean meats;
• dairy and sour milk products;
• fresh and boiled vegetables and fruits in large quantities;
• cereals;
• seafood.

A person should drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid per day. You can drink weak black tea, fruit drink, compote, rose hips, boiled or still mineral water.

Several times a year, as prescribed by a doctor, cholagogue drugs should be taken to avoid stagnation of bile in the body. With each meal, the body should receive a sufficient amount of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. All food consumed should be boiled, baked or steamed.

What not to eat after removing the spleen

After an operation to remove the spleen, the liver takes over all its functions. The patient must follow a strict diet so as not to overstrain this organ and others responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive system. It is important that after splenectomy the food is gentle and balanced, therefore, when drawing up the menu, it is necessary to introduce only healthy foods into the diet. The patient should know not to eat after removing the spleen:

• coffee and products containing caffeine;
• canned and pickled foods;
• seasonings, especially spicy;
• solid food;
• fatty meats;
• fried food that is too high in calories, food prepared at fast food points.

In addition, the patient should refuse to use any type of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

Whether or not they give disability after removal of the spleen

Is disability given after spleen removal? Such a question is of equal interest to both those who are just about to undergo surgery to remove an organ, and those who have already gone through all this. This operation is not a reason for registering a disability. The organ, although it plays an important role in the human body, is not vital at the same time. The only thing that the patient can count on after splenectomy is the percentage of disability, but even then in the presence of some very serious circumstances, namely complications and consequences in the postoperative period.

Based on all of the above, one can positively answer the question of whether a person can live without a spleen. And without this organ, you can live a long, dignified life. The most important thing is to give up all bad habits in time and carefully monitor your health.

The spleen acts as a filter in the body's fight against microorganisms and foreign particles that get inside, and develops protective antibodies in the body. People who have had their spleen removed for one reason or another are susceptible to a variety of infections and bacteria.

The spleen takes part in the production of blood and it contains erythrocytes, which, when a crisis occurs in the body, can be included in the general blood flow and maintain a normal state, if necessary. Like any human organ, with its possible diseases, it can cause very serious problems.

Why is the spleen removed?

This organ is located deep enough in the human body - in the abdominal cavity. Thus, the human body protects its surface, which is soft and delicate, very sensitive to physical damage. Various injuries resulting from car accidents, unforeseen falls and bumps or in a fight, in the literal sense of the word, can tear the spleen to pieces, after which there is no way to restore or strengthen it, and you have to resort to its removal, which causes enormous harm to human health ...

How long can you live without a spleen

Of course, in the absence of a spleen, a person will be able to somehow live, thanks to the enormous possibilities for compensating our body, but nevertheless, its loss, as an organ providing the body's infectious defense, to a large extent causes great harm. That is why, before the operation, the patient is vaccinated against the most dangerous viruses.

After the spleen is removed, the person's liver and bone marrow take over its functions. But the purification of blood from dead platelets is not performed, and they circulate in the human body, threatening the occurrence of thrombosis. For this reason, patients who have undergone spleen removal are prescribed anticoagulants - special medications that thin the blood and prevent platelets from sticking together. People who have undergone surgery to remove the spleen should be constantly under the supervision of doctors - hematologists.

Why is the spleen enlarged?

The increase in the volume of the spleen occurs precisely because it performs its direct functions to protect the body, because at the same time it produces a large number of leukocytes. It can increase in volume by more than three times. And when the infection is defeated, he will return to normal and will weigh about 150 grams.

An unexpected increase in the volume of the spleen (abnormal spleen) sometimes occurs when there is a cyst on the spleen or liver disease such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. There are cases of its increase due to the occurrence of a thrombus of the blood vein of the spleen. As a result of such cases, there is a risk of direct damage to the organ.

A disease such as a spleen infarction occurs due to the necrosis of the surrounding tissues, to which the human abdominal cavity reacts with pain.

The famous expression of the pirates "Burst my spleen", as we know, is not so winged. Some people really face this unpleasant circumstance, while not even understanding what threatens the removal of the spleen. And then the doctors have no choice but to remove the injured organ, and the person - to continue life without the spleen.

Removal of the spleen - causes

However, a ruptured spleen is, unfortunately, not the only reason for organ removal. There are several reasons why this operation is performed:

This operation is called splenectomy. Today it is not life-threatening for the patient. After a standard operation, a long and clearly visible scar remains on the body of the operated person. Therefore, in recent years, the laparoscopic method of removing the spleen has become increasingly popular.

Consequences after removal of the spleen

The spleen is a very important organ that takes an active part in the hematopoietic process. It destroys old red blood cells and platelets, thereby regulating their number in the blood. This organ accumulates iron for the further formation of hemoglobin, and also, due to its ability to contract sharply, ejects blood into the vessels with a sharp decrease in its level (for example, due to injury).

Therefore, the removal of the spleen, despite the widespread belief that it is unnecessary for the body, of course, is stressful for it and requires colossal restructuring. At the same time, the patient's immunity is greatly reduced, and hence the ability to resist viruses and infections. Many functions of the spleen are taken over by the liver and

Each organ in the human body performs its own significant role. And many are worried about how the removal of the spleen will affect the health, the consequences of such an operation. After all, this small organ is a massive storage of blood, which allows you to restore blood balance disorders, and also performs a number of auxiliary functions important for life.

What happens in the body without a spleen

Given the importance of this organ for the body, the consequences after removal of the spleen are very diverse. But this does not mean that such an operation will lead to death or serious illness. There are times when a person does not have this organ from birth.

It is possible to live without a spleen, but since a person needs all organs for full life, the operation is performed only in exceptional cases. The consequences of splenectomy largely depend on the degree of organ damage. And also from the reasons that led to the surgical intervention and the patient's behavior during the rehabilitation period.

After its removal, most of the functions of the spleen are distributed among other organs. All of its main actions are distributed between the liver, bone marrow and lymph nodes. But no other organ can completely remove obsolete platelets from the blood. Therefore, people after surgery are prescribed special drugs that protect against the formation of blood clots.

The purpose of the spleen

This small organ is located in the abdomen behind the left side of the stomach. It is tightly bordered by the pancreas, intestines and kidney. Sometimes her close proximity makes it difficult to diagnose her condition.

For many years, the spleen was considered an additional organ that does not have much effect on the functioning of the whole organism. Modern medicine has identified several important functions in which it is directly involved:

• destruction of damaged unsuitable platelets and erythrocytes;
• protection against viruses and pathogenic bacteria;
• synthesis of immunoglobulin;
• control of the metabolic process in the body and the production of iron.

In addition, the organ performs a hematopoietic function during the uterine formation of the fetus. At present, all its features have not yet been fully studied.

The main reasons for removing an organ

In the human body, each organ is designed for a specific function. Spleen surgery is prescribed by a doctor only in case of irreparable pathological disorders.

Sometimes an indication for the removal of an organ may be the occurrence of an abscess - a purulent inflammation in the tissues of the organ.

Splenectomy

What's happened . When diagnosing serious and irreparable deviations in the work of the spleen, a surgical procedure is performed to remove the diseased organ. This surgery is called splenectomy.

Modern methods of performing operations allow the removal of an organ without large incisions on the body. The procedure is performed using a laparoscope, an instrument that allows you to visually observe the abdominal cavity during surgery.

But there are still a number of contraindications for which only splenectomy with full access to the affected area should be performed:

• high degree of obesity in the patient;
• a significant increase in the size of the spleen.

After surgical removal, the organ is sent for histological examination. The operation is contraindicated for people with heart disease, problems with the respiratory system, as well as for women during pregnancy.

Consequences of splenectomy

Complications after surgery can occur immediately or during the recovery period. Removing the spleen can lead to the following consequences:

• change in blood count;
• disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system and problems with
• liver;
• inflammatory reactions in the body;
• bleeding;
• hernia of the abdominal cavity;
• decreased immune defense;
• dysfunctions of the phagocytic system;
• tendency to infectious infections;
• a significant increase in blood clotting.

Such consequences can develop due to a decrease in the body's defense reactions after removal of the spleen. Patients are especially at risk of developing complications in the first two years after surgery. At this time, people after splenectomy need to pay more attention to their health. And when such symptoms appear, you should immediately contact your doctor:

• sharp pain in the abdomen;
• high body temperature;
• shortness of breath;
• persistent sweating;
• vomiting, dizziness and nausea;
• prolonged diarrhea;
• blood, purulent discharge or inflammation of the skin in the places where the incisions were made during the operation;
• persistent cough;
• accelerated heartbeat.

The appearance of such signs after the operation requires an urgent examination, since the threat to life is not the absence of the spleen, but the complications that arise after its removal.

Rehabilitation

The duration of the rehabilitation period after splenectomy is one and a half months and depends on the nature of the indications that led to the surgical intervention. During the restoration of the body's work, doctors recommend:

• exclude strong physical activity;
• wash only in the shower;
• do not take alcoholic and carbonated drinks;
• constantly take walks in the fresh air;
• give up junk food - eat fruits and vegetables high in iron;
• monitor the purity of the body;
• do not self-medicate;
• make mandatory influenza vaccinations in the spring and fall;
• avoid contact with infectious patients, do not visit crowded places during epidemics.

People after surgery to remove the spleen are undesirable to visit countries where there is a risk of contracting malaria. Also, for two years, conduct regular clinical examinations and, at the first signs of malaise, seek help from a medical center.

Nutrition after spleen removal

Since many of the functions that the spleen performed are taken over by the liver, it is extremely important to follow the correct diet. The food included in the patient's diet should not put stress on the liver and organs of the digestive system.

Nutrition should be balanced and gentle in order to alleviate the consequences after removal of the spleen. Doctors advise patients to include only healthy foods in their diet. What can you eat after removing the spleen:

• unlimited fresh fruits;
• different vegetables;
• cereals from various cereals;
• lean meat and fish;
• drink at least one and a half liters of liquid per day;
• dairy products with low fat content.

To establish the outflow of bile, and improve liver function, choleretic medicinal herbs should be taken periodically. Herbal medicine is carried out only after consulting your doctor.

You can avoid problems with the digestive tract and facilitate the liver in the absence of a spleen if you exclude from the daily diet:

• heavy fatty foods;
• spicy dishes and seasonings;
• fat meat;
• alcohol and strong coffee;
• rich bakery and sweet confectionery;
• smoked meats;
• canned fish;
• cooking fats;
• Salo;
• dairy products with a high percentage of fat.

After removing the spleen, the diet should include foods rich in protein and carbohydrates. It is necessary to introduce foods into the body, which include iron. Dishes should be boiled or steamed. Food should be eaten without cholesterol, flavors and harmful fats.

It is possible to live in the field of spleen removal. Splenectomy poses no particular health threat. But in order to improve the quality and life expectancy of people in the absence of a spleen, it is necessary to comply with all doctor's prescriptions during the rehabilitation period and constantly protect themselves from infectious diseases.