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Post-splenectomy syndrome
Definition
Post-splenectomy syndrome is a group of symptoms and signs that often occur after surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy).
These include:
- Destruction of red blood cells
- Increased risk of getting severe infections, especially with certain bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis
- Thrombocytosis (increased platelet count, which can cause blood clots)
Alternative Names
Splenectomy - post-surgery syndrome
Possible Complications
Possible long-term medical problems include:
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Pulmonary hypertension (a disease affecting the blood vessels in your lungs)
References
Shurin SB. The spleen and its disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr., Shattil SJ, eds. Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008:chap 163.
Review Date:
2/28/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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