Does splenectomy cause leukocytosis
Matthew Wilson
Published Apr 17, 2026
1,6,7 Splenectomy causes a transient leukocytosis that lasts for weeks to months. In hemolytic anemia, non-specific increases in leukocyte production and release occur in association with increased red blood cell production; marrow growth factors are likely contributors.
Does splenectomy cause high WBC?
Background: The White Blood Cell (WBC) and Platelet (PLT) counts typically increase after a splenectomy. These changes make interpretation of postoperative lab values difficult and may unduly raise concerns for complications.
What is the most common complication of splenectomy?
Infections, particularly pulmonary and abdominal sepsis, constitute the majority of the complications. The mortality rate from postoperative sepsis is substantial. Atelectasis, pancreatitis/fistula, pulmonary embolism and bleeding at the operative site are also relatively common occurrences following splenic removal.
What happens to white blood cells after splenectomy?
An increase in blood leukocytes can occur following a splenectomy. The post-splenectomy platelet count may rise to abnormally high levels (thrombocytosis), leading to an increased risk of potentially fatal clot formation.What causes leukocytosis after surgery?
The peripheral white blood cell count can double within hours after certain stimuli because of the large bone marrow storage and intravascularly marginated pools of neutrophils. Stressors capable of causing an acute leukocytosis include surgery, exercise, trauma, and emotional stress.
Are white blood cells produced in the spleen?
It’s part of the lymphatic system (which is part of the immune system). The spleen stores and filters blood and makes white blood cells that protect you from infection.
What are the complications of splenectomy?
- Blood clot in the vein that carries blood to the liver.
- Hernia at the incision site.
- Infection at the incision site.
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Lung collapse.
- Injury to the pancreas, stomach, and colon.
Are splenectomy patients immunocompromised?
1,2 Patients who have had a splenectomy or have functional asplenia are immunocompromised and are at increased risk for severe and overwhelming bacterial infections, particularly from encapsulated bacteria.Does splenectomy cause lymphocytosis?
The lymphocytosis was noted 4-242 (median 70) months after splenectomy and persisted almost unchanged in most patients on prolonged follow up (median 50 months).
What happens to old red blood cells when the spleen is removed?If the spleen does not work properly, it may start to remove healthy blood cells. This can lead to: anaemia, from a reduced number of red blood cells. an increased risk of infection, from a reduced number of white blood cells.
Article first time published onWhich organism causes infection after splenectomy?
Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection is usually caused by the encapsulated bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis and more than half of those infected die.
What are the long term effects of a splenectomy?
A recent study from a large cohort of American veterans showed an increased risk of death due to septicemia, pulmonary embolism, coronary artery disease and cancer more than 10 years after splenectomy.
What is the most common early complication of open splenectomy?
These are reported with both open and laparoscopic splenectomy. Early postoperative complications include pulmonary complications (atelectasis to pneumonia), subphrenic abscess, ileus, portal vein thrombosis, thrombocytosis, thrombotic complications, and wound complications (hematomas, seromas, and wound infections).
How long does leukocytosis last after splenectomy?
1,6,7 Splenectomy causes a transient leukocytosis that lasts for weeks to months. In hemolytic anemia, non-specific increases in leukocyte production and release occur in association with increased red blood cell production; marrow growth factors are likely contributors.
Is leukocytosis common after surgery?
Leukocytosis is frequently found in the early postoperative period after major surgery. Although leukocytosis may be a sign of developing infection in the early postoperative period, it may also be part of a normal surgical response.
What happens if you have leukocytosis?
Symptoms of leukocytosis When you have very high levels of white blood cells in your body, they can cause your blood to become very thick, which can impair blood flow. This can lead to a condition called hyperviscosity syndrome. Although it can occur with leukemia, it’s very rare.
Why do platelets increase after splenectomy?
The early, highly significant thrombocytosis, following both splenectomy and general surgery, is caused by increased production of platelets due to the surgical trauma. This is caused by a direct action on bone marrow MK by transforming 2N-8N MK into higher ploidy classes.
What organs take over after a splenectomy?
What organ takes over after spleen removal? After splenectomy, the functions of the spleen are usually taken up by other organs, such as the liver, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
Why does splenectomy increased risk of infection?
The factors responsible for an increased incidence of infection and propensity for severity following a splenectomy include insufficient opsonizing filter function of the spleen, delayed and impaired production of immunoglobulin (Ig), lack of splenic macrophages, and minimal tufts production [5].
Does the spleen contain lymphocytes?
The spleen also helps get rid of germs. It contains white blood cells called lymphocytes and macrophages. These cells work to attack and destroy germs and remove them from the blood that passes through the spleen.
Does spleen produce lymphocytes?
The spleen, along with the liver, removes old and damaged erythrocytes from the circulating blood. Like other lymphatic tissue, it produces lymphocytes, especially in response to invading pathogens. The sinuses in the spleen are a reservoir for blood.
Are all white blood cells lymphocytes?
Lymphocyte A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. The B cells produce antibodies that are used to attack invading bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
Does Covid affect spleen?
Conclusion: Our study indicates that spleen size increases slightly-moderately in the first stages of the infection, and this increase is correlated with the COVID-19 severity score calculated on the chest CT data, and in this respect, it is similar to infections presenting with cytokine storm.
Can you have a baby without a spleen?
Without a spleen, a child (especially below the age of two) may have a higher risk of developing serious infections, such as overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI). Even though the risk is small and OPSI is uncommon, it can be very serious, rapidly progressive and even life-threatening if it occurs.
What vaccines are needed after splenectomy?
Pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) vaccinations are indicated for patients after splenectomy.
What causes splenomegaly?
Infections, such as mononucleosis, are among the most common causes of splenomegaly. Problems with your liver, such as cirrhosisand cystic fibrosis, can also cause an enlarged spleen. Another possible cause of splenomegaly is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can cause inflammation of the lymph system.
Are platelets destroyed in the spleen?
Although the spleen is often the major site of antibody-coated platelet destruction, platelets may also be removed from circulation by the liver, by a combination of the spleen and liver, or within the blood stream.
Can a spleen grow back?
Spleen can regenerate through various mechanisms. Autotransplantation of splenic tissue after traumatic disruption of the splenic capsule is well recognized. Splenic tissue can lodge anywhere in the peritoneal cavity following traumatic disruption and regenerates under favourable conditions.
What is post splenectomy syndrome?
The major long-term complication of splenectomy is OPSI, also known as post-splenectomy sepsis syndrome, which is defined as a generalized non-specific flu-like prodrome followed by rapid deterioration to full-blown fulminant septic shock within 24-48 hours of the onset [9].
What are the indications for splenectomy?
Your doctor may recommend splenectomy if you have one of the following: Ruptured spleen. If your spleen ruptures due to a severe abdominal injury or because of an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), the result may be life-threatening, internal bleeding. Enlarged spleen.
What is an encapsulated infection?
The term ‘encapsulated bacteria’ refers to bacteria covered with a polysaccharide capsule. Examples of such bacteria include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.