blood disorders
Enlarged Spleen
Treatment of an Enlarged Spleen
Treatment of the underlying disorder Sometimes removal of the spleen When possible, doctors treat the underlying disorder that caused the enlarged spleen. People with an enlarged spleen should avoid contact sports and weight-lifting because an enlarged spleen is more likely to tear, causing uncontrollable bleeding. People with an enlarged spleen need to avoid contact sports and weight-lifting because the spleen is at risk of tearing, causing uncontrollable bleeding. The spleen may need to be surgically removed if hypersplenism causes severe problems. Surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) should be avoided whenever possible because it can cause problems, including an increased susceptibility to infections by certain bacteria. However, the risks are worth taking in certain critical situations: When the spleen is severely damaged after an injury When the spleen destroys red blood cells so rapidly that severe anemia develops When the spleen so depletes stores of white blood cells that infection is likely When the spleen so depletes stores of platelets that bleeding is likely When the spleen is so large that it causes pain or puts pressure on other organs or causes early feelings of fullness after eating only a small amount When the spleen is so large that parts of it bleed or die As an alternative to surgery, radiation therapy can sometimes be used to shrink the spleen. People who have had their spleen removed need to be Overview of Immunization against infections caused by After splenectomy, people are particularly susceptible to Sepsis and Septic Shock , particularly if they regularly come into contact with children, and they may have to take antibiotics daily to prevent infections. 