When Is Spleen Removal Necessary?

Have you ever noticed how some of your friends, relatives, and colleagues tend to stay active and healthy when exposed to bacteria, viruses, germs, or environmental toxins that often cause you distress and malaise? Sure, these individuals may not have the best habits or health profiles, but for some reason, they are impervious to frequent infections and diseases. When they do become sick, they usually experience fewer or milder symptoms and bounce back faster than expected. The secret to their super immunity is the spleen. It is arguably one of the most underrated organs in the human body. It’s a key contributor to good health for many people. For others, it’s the opposite.

What Does the Spleen Do?

Under optimal conditions, the spleen acts as a filter. It removes germs, bacteria, and other toxins and impurities from the blood. It also gets rid of blood cells that are too old or damaged to function properly. The spleen acts as a soldier defense system that bolsters the body’s natural immune response against dangerous pathogens.

The Dangers of Living With a Bad Spleen

The spleen is the largest organ in the lymphatic system and is crucial in removing excess fluid and cellular waste from the body, enhancing its ability to fight off infections and diseases. Every day, you risk exposure to harmful germs and foreign pathogens that can make you sick. Infection and disease development is imminent when the concentration of pathogens in the blood overtake the immune system’s defenses and impairs splenic and lymphatic function.

Though full of fluid and blood, a healthy spleen is normally no larger than an average adult fist. It produces infection-fighting antibodies and white blood cells, destroys pathogens and filters damaged red blood cells. It also regulates blood cells and platelets and body fluid. Its contents and location in the abdomen make it highly susceptible to injury and damage. Abnormal spleen enlargement or splenomegaly can cause idiopathic conditions that affect the shape, size, and function of blood cells, commonly seen in patients with sickle cell anemia, low platelet and blood cell count disorders, cancers, internal bleeding, aneurysms, etc. Spleen removal is necessary to enable the liver to take over its functions and prevent serious health complications and death.

Signs Indicating Spleen Removal Is Necessary

Most spleen disorders and damage arise from other health and environmental factors. Under normal conditions, the spleen can repair itself. But extreme trauma to the abdomen from falling, heavy or repetitive blows, blunt force and penetrating injuries stemming from car and sports accidents and other factors can cause the organ to swell or rupture. Spleen enlargement that occurs from physical trauma can cause internal hemorrhaging and death. Also, secondary spleen disorders and damage are common when other medical conditions are present: inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, etc. Spleen enlargement that develops suddenly requires immediate emergency attention to prevent extreme blood loss, sepsis, and death.

Physical signs of abnormal spleen size include:

• Pain and soreness in the left portion of the abdomen
• Dizziness, confusion or lightheadedness
• Pain and discomfort in the left shoulder
• Diminished or poor appetite
• Blood clots
• Cancer
• Splenic aneurysm
• Abnormal spleen activity
• Pain and tenderness under the left ribs

Splenomegaly is dangerous. It can develop suddenly and asymptomatically, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. It also leads to other life-threatening disorders that negatively impact overall health and quality of life.

Spleen Removal Saves Lives

Normally, treating the causative condition is enough to improve spleen health and function enabling it to shrink back to its normal size. This is often evident in patients who have recovered from infectious mononucleosis, anemia, and other medical conditions and injuries. Bloating, swelling, or puffiness from fluid accumulation that develops and resolves during recovery from mild illnesses and injuries are also signs of the spleen and lymphatic system in action. There are times when spleen enlargement is not resolvable with alternative medications and treatments. Fortunately, the most effective course of action is spleen removal surgery to restore immune function and life expectancy.

Not having a spleen does increase the risk of frequent and serious infections. Most of those concerns are manageable with healthy lifestyle changes that support the immune system and liver. Living with a damaged or unhealthy spleen is like gambling. It creates a domino effect on overall health and quality of life. The odds of developing additional and concurrent infections and more severe diseases are significantly higher leading to poorer health outcomes and less than ideal life expectancy. Though the idea of surgery may not seem too exciting, the benefits are immeasurable and, in many cases, lifesaving. Many people without spleens due to birth defects or surgery enjoy better health and longevity.

Is Spleen Removal Right for You?

To determine if spleen removal is necessary for your situation, call (714)-541-4996 for a meeting with Dr. Khosravi to discuss your concerns. All Orange County Robotic General Surgery removal patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation that includes lab work to determine complete blood count and CT or MRI diagnostic screening to ensure they receive the most efficient and minimally-invasive treatment recommendations for their needs.