Question:
Has anyone had to have thier spleen out during surgery?

My doctor said there was a chance that they might have to remove my spleen depending how close things were inside. Has anyone else had this problem and can anyone tell me what the speen even does? I always knew we had one but never knew what it was for.    — Linda M. (posted on May 13, 2000)

May 14, 2000
I'm sorry, but in all the research I did on this subject before having a lap RNY in March, I never saw splenectomy listed as one of the possible complications. I'm not saying it doesn't exist, I simply am not aware of it. In adults, the spleen acts as a storage site for blood, produces plasma cells and antibodies and plays a role in iron metabolism. It is an important organ, but adults can function pretty well without it if necessary...it plays a much more crucial role in infants and children. Have you thought about getting some additional surgical opinions? Good luck, Diana
   — Diana T.

May 14, 2000
Linda: I too hope you will consult another surgeon. I would only allow my spleen to be removed if it were absolutely necessary. A member of my family had her spleen removed after a very serious car accident. She recovered fully from the accident and then passed away 10 months later as a result of a rare infection her spleen could only protect her from. They can vacinate you for most infections (around 80%) we were told at the time, but the rest of your life you must be very careful of infections of any type. Her case is EXTREMELY rare. I know many people are born with spleens also and live very productive lives. I have never heard of removing it during WLS and hope you will get a second opinion if at all possible. Good luck.
   — Dot W.

May 14, 2000
OOPS!! Linda, I meant many people are bore WITHOUT spleens in the previous post. Sorry.
   — Dot W.

May 14, 2000
HI, I lost my spleen during wls because of bad dr. GET A DIFFERENT DR. I now have a antibiotic resistant staph infection that has almost killed me twice in 3 months..... theres no gaurentee it wont succede in killing me in the future. I will have this for life is what they tell me. your spleen plays a bigger part in your fight agaisnt infection than most think they are just finding this out thru long term studies. GOOD LUCK dont give up your spleen willingly diane
   — BBD

March 6, 2001
Just a note. My Dr. did discuss this complication with me as well. He said it would only be necesarry if it were "hit" during surgery and starting bleeding. The complication rate yas very low....like under 1%. So I wouldn't be concerned.
   — Stephanie E.

March 7, 2001
I did have to have my spleen removed during my surgery and it was not because the doctor was incompetent. I have had four previous abdominal surgeries and had resultant adhesions. During my open RNY, those adhesions pulled at my spleen which started to bleed and had to be removed. Because your spleen plays a role in your immune system, the risk of infection is a concern. My doctor wouldn't let me leave the hospital without a pneumonia vaccination. Unfortunately, I did contract pneumonia about 4 weeks after my surgery (it takes longer to build immunity after the shot so I wasn't protected yet). I recovered just fine and I feel great now. Many people leave perfectly normal lives after removal of their spleens. Don't let it be a roadblock for you if you really need this surgery.
   — Katie F.

January 19, 2004
i had my spleen removed over 15 years ago because it was not working anyway - the only problem it has ever caused is that i need to go to the doctor early than most folks would to get on antibiotics - other than that --- no problem! i am however, concerned that since i dont have one, it may cause hesitation in getting approved for lap band - i have my fingers crossed!
   — jo in texas