The spleen is located in the upper left part of the abdomen, behind the stomach and beneath the ribs. It contributes to the regulation of blood cells and protection against certain infections. The information below is educational and does not replace individualized medical assessment.
General questions about splenectomy
Can someone live without a spleen?
Yes. The spleen is important but is not essential for survival. Its absence requires infection prevention and prompt assessment of fever.
Can splenectomy be performed laparoscopically or robotically?
In many elective cases it can be performed with a minimally invasive technique. In emergency bleeding, a very large spleen, or certain tumors, an open operation may be necessary.
What is needed after splenectomy?
Specific vaccinations, clear instructions about fever or infection, and, depending on the case, preventive medication or measures to prevent thrombosis are required.
Vaccination and infection prevention after splenectomy
Why are vaccines needed?
The spleen contributes particularly to protection against certain encapsulated bacteria. After splenectomy or with functional asplenia, the risk of severe infection from these organisms is increased. Vaccination is a key part of preparation before elective splenectomy and of care after emergency splenectomy.
Which vaccines are usually discussed?
The individualized program includes vaccination against pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), together with annual influenza protection. Additional doses, booster doses, and other vaccines are determined by age, previous vaccination history, any immunosuppression, travel, and the current national immunization schedule.
When are they given?
For an elective splenectomy, vaccines are preferably arranged at least two weeks before the operation. When surgery is an emergency, vaccination is planned after the operation as soon as the patient's clinical condition allows. The exact schedule is determined together with the treating clinician or vaccination team.
Fever after splenectomy
Any fever or sudden illness after splenectomy requires prompt medical assessment. The patient should tell every clinician that they do not have a spleen and follow individualized advice about possible preventive antibiotics, travel, or an animal bite.
When to seek medical attention
Anyone without a spleen should treat a fever of 38 °C or above, shivering, or a sudden feeling of being very unwell as urgent, on the same day, even years after the operation. Do not wait to see whether it passes. Other warning signs include severe headache with vomiting, a sore throat or cough that worsens quickly, and any bite from an animal.
After the operation, contact the surgical team promptly for worsening abdominal pain, a swollen or painful calf, chest pain or breathlessness, bleeding, or fluid leaking from a wound.
Preparing for the operation
Before a planned splenectomy the team confirms the reason for surgery, checks blood counts, and reviews imaging (ultrasound or CT) to judge the size of the spleen and choose the approach. Medicines that affect bleeding or immunity, such as anticoagulants or steroids, are reviewed in advance.
Vaccinations are arranged against the bacteria that cause the most serious infections in people without a spleen: pneumococcus, meningococcus (groups A, C, W, Y and B) and Haemophilus influenzae type b. When the operation is planned, they are given at least two weeks before it. After an emergency operation they are given about two weeks afterwards.
Recovery and follow-up
After a keyhole operation most people walk on the day of surgery and go home within a few days. Light activity and desk work are usually possible within one to two weeks, and heavy lifting is avoided for about four to six weeks. An open operation needs longer.
Platelet counts can rise for a few weeks after the operation. Whether treatment is needed for this is decided individually.
Long-term care is simple but important: an annual influenza vaccine, booster vaccines as advised, a written plan for what to do if fever develops, and telling every doctor, dentist and travel clinic that you have no spleen. Many people carry a card or wear a medical alert bracelet.
More questions about life after splenectomy
Will I catch infections more easily?
Most infections are no more frequent, but a small number of bacterial infections can become severe very quickly without a spleen. That is why vaccination, a fever plan and early treatment matter.
Do I need antibiotics every day?
It depends on age, the reason for splenectomy and current guidance. Some people take a daily antibiotic for a period, and many are given a supply to start if a fever develops. The plan is agreed at the follow-up visit.
Can I travel?
Yes, with planning. See a travel clinic early: malaria prevention is especially important, and you should know where to get urgent care at your destination.
How long does recovery take?
Most people feel back to normal within a few weeks after keyhole surgery. Recovery is slower after an open operation or when the spleen was very large or the illness was serious.
This information is general and does not replace individualized medical assessment.
