Splenectomy Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have a splenectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Hernia formation at incision site
• Blood clots
• Damage to other organs

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Poor nutrition
• Recent or chronic illness
• Diabetes
• Old age
• Heart or lung disease
• Bleeding or clotting disorders

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
• Cough , shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
• New, unexplained symptoms

In case of an emergency, call 911.