Post-splenectomy syndrome

Splenectomy - post-surgery syndrome; Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection; OPSI; Splenectomy - reactive thrombocytosis

Post-splenectomy complications can occur after surgery to remove the spleen. Complications may include:

  • Blood clots
  • Destruction of red blood cells
  • Increased risk for severe infections from encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis
  • Thrombocytosis (increased platelet count, which can increase the risk of blood clots)
  • Increased red and white blood cell counts
Spleen

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