What Is The Spleen and Do We Need It
Where it is and what it does
When I was young my father suffered a serious crushing injury to his spine, and this resulted in the removal of his spleen, though this organ itself was not damaged. I wondered then about the function of the spleen and why it would be removed, and what the effects of removal would be.
Understanding the Spleen
The spleen is a vital organ located in the upper left side of the abdominal cavity, where it plays a crucial role in our immune system, amongst other things. Despite its importance, many people are not familiar with the spleen’s functions and how it contributes to our overall health.
Let’s have a look at the spleen’s role, its functions, and what happens when it becomes enlarged or ruptures.
So what does it do?
The spleen is responsible for filtering the blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells which are then broken down and recycled, and also storing platelets. It also acts as a reservoir for platelets and helps to remove bacteria and other foreign substances from the bloodstream.
It’s also involved in the production of antibodies, which are proteins that help to fight off infections.
What happens when the Spleen becomes enlarged?
The spleen can become enlarged due to various reasons such as infection, inflammation, or cancer. When this happens, it can cause discomfort, pain, and swelling in the abdomen. In some cases, the enlarged spleen can rupture, which can be life-threatening.
What happens when it ruptures?
A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The symptoms of a ruptured spleen include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and difficulty breathing, and if left untreated, can lead to massive bleeding, shock, and even death.
Treatment and management
The treatment and management of an enlarged or damaged spleen depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, the spleen may need to be removed surgically, a procedure known as splenectomy.
Patients who undergo splenectomy are at increased risk of overwhelming infection due to encapsulated organisms such as Haemophilus Influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis, so it’s then essential for these patients to receive vaccinations against these organisms.
The spleen is sometimes removed after accidents, even if it’s not damaged, due to the risk of future complications. Here’s why:
- Potential Damage: Even if the spleen isn’t visibly damaged immediately after an accident, it’s vulnerable to delayed bleeding or other complications. Since the spleen is highly vascular (rich in blood vessels), trauma can cause internal bleeding or damage that might not be immediately apparent.
- Preventive Measure: Surgeons might opt to remove the spleen preventively to avoid potential complications. This is particularly common in cases of significant abdominal trauma, where the risk of subsequent bleeding or infection is high.
- Secondary Injuries: In accidents involving trauma to the abdomen, other organs near the spleen might be injured. Surgeons may choose to remove the spleen if there’s concern about the overall stability of the abdomen or to facilitate access to other injured organs for treatment.
After the spleen is removed (a procedure called a splenectomy), the body adapts to function without it:
- Other Organs Take Over: Functions of the spleen, such as filtering blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells, and fighting infections, are taken over by other organs. The liver and bone marrow primarily assume these functions.
- Immune Function: While the spleen plays a role in the immune system by producing antibodies and helping to fight infections, the body can still mount immune responses effectively without it. Other lymphoid tissues, such as lymph nodes and the bone marrow, help compensate for the loss of the spleen’s immune function.
- Increased Risk of Infection: Individuals who have had their spleens removed are more susceptible to certain bacterial infections, particularly those caused by encapsulated bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae. This is because the spleen is an important part of the body’s defense against these types of infections.
- Vaccination: Vaccination against certain bacteria, such as pneumococcus and meningococcus, is often recommended for individuals without a spleen to reduce the risk of infections.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Patients may need to make some lifestyle adjustments, such as being more vigilant about avoiding exposure to infectious diseases and seeking prompt medical attention if they develop signs of infection.
Overall, while the absence of the spleen presents some challenges, the body is generally able to adapt and function reasonably well without it, especially with appropriate medical care and lifestyle modifications.
My father managed fine without his spleen, but required these additional medical additions to his healthcare for the rest gf his life.
References:
Spleen — Location & Function — Symptoms of Enlarged & Ruptured Spleen (healthjade.net)
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