Post-splenectomy syndrome
Splenectomy - post-surgery syndrome; Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection; OPSI; Splenectomy - reactive thrombocytosis
Post-splenectomy syndrome can occur after surgery to remove the spleen. It consists of a group of symptoms and signs such as:
- Blood clots
- Destruction of red blood cells
- Increased risk for severe infections from bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis
- Thrombocytosis (increased platelet count, which can cause blood clots)
The spleen is an organ involved in the production and maintenance of red blood cells, the production of certain circulating white blood cells, as a part of the lymph system, and as a part of the immune system.
Possible Complications
Possible long-term medical problems include:
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Pulmonary hypertension (a disease affecting the blood vessels in your lungs)
References
Connell NT, Shurin SB, Schiffman F. The spleen and its disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 160.
Poulose BK, Holzman MD. The spleen. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery: The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 56.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 1/29/2019
Reviewed by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
