Complications of having no spleen can be serious and usually revolve around the potential for chronic infections. Care must be taken to prevent infections.

Complications of having no spleen can be serious. Located under the rib cage on the left side of the abdomen, the spleen is a vital component of the body’s immune system, the front line of defense against infection. In addition to aiding in the body’s fight against infection, the spleen is further tasked with filtering old or damaged blood cells from the body’s system.

In a smaller role, the spleen produces red blood cells and certain white ones, supplemental to the bone marrow’s distinct duty as producer of all blood cells. Because of its function, one of the primary complications of having no spleen is an increased risk of infection.

Increased infection risk are known in medical circles as overwhelming post-splenectomy infection. OPSI, though relatively uncommon, can be extremely serious when it does occur and is often fatal. Aside from OPSI, there are more common potential complications of having no spleen.

Two possible complications are infection or hernia at the incision site. Another factor to be closely monitored is the development of blood clots; particularly in the vein that transports blood to the liver. Additional common complications are blood loss, damage to organs near the spleen such as the colon, stomach and pancreas, and finally, lung collapse.

The compromised immune system that a splenectomy automatically yields will render the patient susceptible to all types of infection for the remainder of the patient’s life. Some bacterial infections are quite serious, possibly life-threatening. Included in these are pneumonia, meningitis, malaria and septicemia.

A proactive approach is the most prudent way to thwart the complications of having no spleen. Remember that the spleen constitutes only one part of the immune system. Other components will step in to help protect against most viruses, bacteria and germs in an auxiliary capacity once the spleen is removed. It is essential that you work with your doctor.

Depending on your overall health and the reason for the splenectomy — whether injury, or systemic conditions like certain cancers, nonmalignant cysts or tumors, enlarged spleen — you may be prescribed prophylactic antibiotics. If you take antibiotics, be sure to supplement everyday with probiotics.

Despite the indicated no spleen complications, it is possible to maintain an active, reasonably healthy life following a splenectomy.