Life after splenectomy:
Following spenectomy irrespective of the indication exposes the patient to the risk of serious infection.
The spleen protects the patient against several bacterial infections, including:
Patients should receive vaccination against these bacteria, as well as vaccination against viral influenza.
Antibiotics should be regularly taken in accordance with expert haemotological advice.
In the event of fever or other indications of infection urgent medical advice should be sought as intravenous antibiotics may be required to fight sepsis.
If in doubt: urgent medical advice should be sought by any patient following splenectomy as delay in treatment with appropriate antibiotics may have extremely serious consequences.