Risks

Splenectomy is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, splenectomy carries the potential risk of complications, including:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Injury to nearby organs, including your stomach, pancreas and colon

Long-term risk of infection

After spleen removal, you're more likely to contract serious or life-threatening infections. Your doctor may recommend that you receive vaccines against pneumonia, influenza, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningococci. He or she may also recommend that you take preventive antibiotics, especially if you have other conditions that increase your risk of serious infections.