Spleen Removal Recovery

Spleen removal recovery begins the moment surgery is complete. After which, patients remain in post-operative observation until their anesthesia wears off and their ability to eat, drink, urinate, and walk returns. Dr. Khosravi also discusses post-operative care recommendations and concerns before discharging them home to complete their recoveries.

Recovery ultimately depends on the patient, their support system, diet, health, lifestyle, and post-operative compliance. Open spleen removal surgery takes longer to heal and recover from because there is a larger wound site that needs to heal and repair and stitches that require removal. The overall recovery process is complete within six weeks to a few months. Laparoscopic spleen removal surgery, on the other hand, is performed with tiny incisions so there is a much smaller wound site and no stitches. Dr. Khosravi uses surgical adhesive or tape to close the incisions so there is less discomfort, fewer complications, and a shorter recovery period. Laparoscopic surgery recovery takes up to two weeks, though most patients recover much sooner.

Spleen Removal Recovery Care Recommendations

Surgery and the absence of a spleen significantly elevate the risk of infections, requiring patients to consider the following precautions in addition to all post-operative instructions to prevent complications and delays in their recoveries.

• Discuss all post-operative care instructions, care needs and follow-up appointments with Dr. Khosravi prior to discharge. Modifications can be made as necessary to ensure a seamless recovery.
• Have a family member pick up any prescription medications prior to discharge if possible. During the first couple of weeks, antibiotics and painkillers are necessary to reduce inflammation, discomfort, and facilitate a faster return to normalcy.
• Avoid environments and people with infectious diseases. Though this is highly essential during the first few weeks after spleen removal, vulnerability to infections is highest during the first two years after surgery.
• Take all medications on schedule. Do not miss doses or wait until they wear off to take them. The first few days after surgery is when pain and discomfort from surgery are the most noticeable.
• Rest and recoup as often as possible. Rest is necessary for the body to heal and repair itself, especially after surgical trauma. Fatigue is common during the first few days after splenectomy. Post-operative patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities that can lead to overexertion.
• Avoid driving, long or strenuous walks, exercises, excessive climbing, and housework activities until medical clearance is received. The abdominal muscles and nerves were cut during surgery and require sufficient time to repair. Activity and lifestyle modifications are necessary to prevent complications that can impair healing and function recovery, such as seromas, hernias, hematomas, wound dehiscence, infection, or nerve damage. Ask family or friends to help with any unavoidable or strenuous tasks to speed up overall recovery.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with and aggravation to the wound site. This includes not submerging the body in water and avoiding baths and swimming until Dr. Khosravi says it’s safe for you to resume. Exposure to moist conditions increases the risk of pathogen introduction to the surgical site and the development of secondary and life-threatening infections.
• If immunizations are incomplete, talk to the medical care team to learn the right time to resume them. Individuals with asplenia are extremely prone to pneumococcal, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenze bacterial infections that cause meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia, etc. These increase the occurrence of secondary conditions and fatalities. Vaccinations and associated boosters are necessary to increase immunity against infections and complications that can interfere with spleen removal recovery and overall health.
• Monitor recovery progress. Pay close attention to general wellbeing and frequently check for signs of potential infection or sickness. Notify the doctor at the first sign of potential malaise to ensure timely medical intervention if necessary.
• Relax and recover. Stress is a known immunity and healing deterrent and can make recovery more difficult and longer than necessary. Hobbies, such as reading, painting, catching up on streaming shows, and other less physically demanding activities are extremely helpful in lowering overall stress levels and inducing relaxation.
• Maintain a well-rounded diet. Spleen removal generally doesn’t result in diet restrictions; however, a healthy diet enhances the body’s healing process and strengthens overall immunity. Individuals with special nutritional needs due to hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or other health concerns should adhere to all special dietary considerations that are specific to their situations.

Most Orange County Robotic General Surgery laparoscopic spleen removal restrictions are lifted within two weeks and open spleen removal surgery post-operative restrictions are removed within six weeks. Dr. Khosravi generally allows laparoscopic surgery patients to resume driving after one week or when they are no longer dependent on post-operative painkillers.

Spleen Removal Recovery Complication Risks

Open surgeries carry more complication risks than laparoscopic procedures. Dr. Khosravi advises Orange County Robotic General Surgery patients to remain vigilant for the following post-surgery difficulties.

• Increase in abdominal pain or soreness at or surrounding the wound
• Decrease in mobility
• Inflammation of the skin
• Sudden or increase abdominal bloating or distention
• Internal hemorrhaging
• Hernias
• Clear or colored or foul-smelling discharge at the surgical site
• Fever of 101°F or higher for longer than 24-48 hours
• Pain that is unmanageable with medication
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing
• Nausea or appetite loss
• Body chills or profuse sweating
• Inability to keep food or fluids down

Some spleen removal surgery complication risks can occur several months to years after surgery, such as pancreatitis, hernias, sepsis, and overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI). Immunizations, antibiotics, self-care, and adherence to all medical care and treatment protocols are the most effective risk prevention and management measures.

Contact Us

Spleen removal at Orange County Robotic General Surgery is completely safe. All procedures are performed by Dr. Khosravi, MD, FACS. If you have questions or concerns about spleen removal surgery or the recovery process, don’t hesitate to call Orange County Robotic General Surgery at (714)-541-4996.