SPLENECTOMY: A REVIEW OF PRE- AND POST-OPERATIVE CONSIDERATIONS, OPSI RISK AND INFECTION PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Author Name: 1. Subnesh Thakur,2. Vanshika Tyagi, 3. Anju

Volume/Issue: 05/12

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/05.2025-25389414/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Department of Nutrigenetics, ITHS, Rayat Bahra University, Mohali, Punjab, India.
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrigenetics, ITHS, Rayat Bahra University, Mohali, Punjab, India.
3. Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrigenetics, ITHS, Rayat Bahra University, Mohali, Punjab, India.

ABSTRACT

The function of spleen in immunity, eradication of pathogens from blood and metabolism is vital. Previously, spleen removal was very common among the people with the trauma to the abdomen even though it was not necessary. Moreover, further investigations emphasize the effects of spleen removal such as sepsis, Overwhelming Post-Splenectomy Infection (OPSI), Diabetes Mellitus, heart related issues and diminished immunity. Now we know that spleen start the response in the immunity, form antibodies and link both innate and acquired immune systems. Post-splenectomy people suffer from altered RBCs and WBCs quantity, low B-memory cell and immunoglobulin M. Due to these issues person become more susceptible to the diseases. OPSI if not treated early can cause mortality. To prevent and manage OPSI we need to educate people about the possible risks, and importance of vaccine and antibiotics after the splenectomy. People are recommended to carry antibiotics in case of any emergency. Use of antibiotic-therapy for longer period of time is required according to the probability of the getting infections. Moreover, splenectomized individuals are recommended to carry antibiotic, medical alert card and get vaccination shots before travelling. With the increased attention towards impact after splenectomy has decreased the death rate and increased the patient’s health.

Key words: Post-Splenectomy, OPSI, Vaccine, Antibiotics, Immunity