A member asked:

After a splenectomy does another organ take over from the spleen?

7 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

No: The spleen has specific functions, such as helping to identify a specific type of encapsulated bacteria, and a vaccine is given before or after splenectomy surgery to help with this. The spleen also helps remove old worn out blood cells and helps with platelet management. A person can live just fine without a spleen.

Answered 6/6/2017

6.2k views

Thank

No: There is no organ that can replace all of the functions of the spleen. Most importantly, after splenectomy, there is a risk for post-splenectomy sepsis (overwhelming infection).

Answered 3/12/2016

5.6k views

Thank

Related Questions

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more