In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, some people in need of spleen removal may find themselves procrastinating or delaying their procedures. Others without a spleen due to birth defect, injury, or surgery, are probably wondering how they can avoid infection and serious complications. Regardless of which side of the fence you are on, Dr. Khosravi wants you to know, spleen removal is still safe and effective for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The spleen is a very beneficial organ. It filters infections and other harmful substances from the blood. Yet, just like other critical organ systems, it can become damaged, effectively reducing one’s natural immune response and defenses against germs, viruses, bacteria, and diseases, not just COVID-19. Many people with compromised immune systems take their chances against germs and infectious diseases every day, with little to no side effects or malaise.
Spleen Removal, Immunizations, and COVID-19
Being immunocompromised means the risk of certain infections and serious complications are higher than those with fully functional immune systems. There are millions of people living with compromised immune systems due to pregnancy, cancers, kidney disease, autoimmune conditions, organ transplant and other conditions. It is not yet known why some patients with normal spleen and immune functions are more susceptible to COVID-19 than some immunocompromised people and vice versa. The CDC offers guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations and infection prevention for immunocompromised individuals.
Immunization is highly recommended for patients with less-than-ideal immune systems. It teaches trains the immune system to identify, intercept and destroy more virus cells more efficiently, thus lowering infection risks, severe symptoms, and complications. Proper immunization is essential for immunocompromised patients for proper protection against most infections, not just COVID-19.
You cannot catch the virus from vaccination. It merely improves your immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy the infection. Because you have reduced initial immunity, the CDC recommends boosters to improve the vaccination’s efficacy. This in turn helps bolster your body’s defenses for spleen removal surgery and daily living. Overall, not having a spleen increases the risk of serious COVID-19 infection, but the likelihood of severe reactions and death are similar to those with regular immune systems.
Dangers of COVID-19 in Spleen Removal Patients
COVID-19 is highly contagious, even in those with robust immune systems. Individuals with weakened immune systems tend to experience more severe and longer-lasting symptoms. This doesn’t necessarily mean the risk of long-term or permanent side effects is imminent, it simply means is easier for immunocompromised people to spread the infection to others over a longer period of time. Having a weakened immune system can make you more of an infection risk to others than they are to you. Getting infected with COVID-19 in absence of vaccination also increases the probability of the virus evolving and becoming more deadly to others.
The spleen is not the body’s only defense mechanism. There are other organs, lymphatic tissues, and defense processes that cover many of its functions to help provide immunity after removal. Even still, potential, current, and past spleen removal patients need to use every resource they have for protection against COVID-19 and other infections. That includes making positive dietary and lifestyle changes, wearing masks in high-risk areas, bolstering their immunity with supplements and vitamins, and taking all medications, immunotherapies, and antibiotics as prescribed.
COVID-19 Before and After Spleen Removal
Individuals with active COVID-19 infections and poor spleen function can experience significant immunity impairment leading to the development of concurrent infections, and in some cases, long COVID, disability, or death. Anyone who is considering spleen removal should complete all necessary immunization recommendations at least several weeks before their procedures to reduce the risk of complications, illness, or COVID-19 reinfection. Immunizations don’t make you invincible against COVID-19. They simply make your body stronger and more adept at fighting off infections and other risks that would normally lead to more severe or prolonged COVID-19 symptoms, additional diseases, and complications.
It is possible to catch COVID-19 before and after spleen removal. Immediate medical attention at the first sign of possible infection is necessary for proper symptom management. Dr. Khosravi encourages spleen removal patients to reschedule their procedures immediately after recovery from COVID-19 and other infections to reduce the risk of post-operative complications and secondary infections. He also encourages potential spleen removal patients without active infections to avoid delays in treatment to improve their health and strengthen their overall immunity against COVID-19 and other conditions.
If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 and spleen removal or would like to learn alternative options, call the Orange County Robotic General Surgery clinic at (714)-541-4996.
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