What are the risks of splenectomy?
While there are risks associated with having the spleen surgically removed, they are not as significant as the risks of a procedure such as heart surgery. Potential complications include sickle cell pain, breathing problems leading to sickle acute chest syndrome, surgical infection, bleeding, and difficulty recovering bowel function. The key factors in reducing the risks of splenectomy are: • Using experienced professionals, such as a pediatric surgeon and pediatric anesthesiologists who are well versed in this type of surgery. • Timing the surgery to come just after one of the child’s regularly scheduled transfusions. This ensures that there are more normal red blood cells in circulation at the time. • Preventing dehydration by giving intravenous fluids before and after the surgery until the child is able to drink well. • Managing postoperative pain. One way is to use the smallest incisions possible, such as with laparoscopic surgery. Another is to use local analgesic (pain-killing) m
