Question:
Did anyone have to have a total spleenectomy due to the surgeon stapling the spleen
Did anyone have to have their spleen removed due to the Dr. accidently stapling their spleen when the stomach was stapled? Have you had any complications from the spleen removal? — [Anonymous] (posted on March 1, 2002)
March 1, 2002
Dear Lord! Who was your surgeon? That is just terrible.
"Fortunately" you can do just fine without your spleen. My
brother had to have his removed after an auto accident and it hasn't made
any difference at all in his life. You may want to consider a mal-practice
suit though. That would pay for your tummy tuck. Sorry to be morbid, but
when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.
— [Anonymous]
March 1, 2002
I had my spleen removed a few years ago, not related to gastric bypass was
actually an illness i had and i live life just fine without it...u just
have to remember to have a shot every two years or when your dr specifyes
to keep from getting sick so often...
— Deanna Wise
March 1, 2002
Yes, you can live without a spleen with relatively no problem. You do,
however, have to have a pneumonomical vaccine every five to seven years
(time depends on which doctor you speak with). Actually, the first vaccine
is supposed to be given before the spleen is removed. Without the spleen
there are certain strains of flu that you are susceptible to, hence the
vaccination. An annual flu shot is also recommended as a splenectomized
patient is considered immunocompromised, although it will not guarantee
that you will not get the flu.
— gracie30269
March 1, 2002
My surgeon explaned to me that nicking the spleen is a complication of this
type of surgery, and may end up having to remove the spleen. He told me the
spleen is extremely close to the area where the bypass is done. I don't
agree the poster who said to sue for malpractice. You have to realize that
we, (being morbidly obese) are more difficuilt to operate on with all the
fat and muscle they have to deal with. These complications were specified
long before I had the surgery, I was well aware of all the problems that
can happen. You can live very well and a normal life span without the
spleen.
— [Anonymous]
March 4, 2002
I know this doesn't answer your question, but my Surgeon had to revert to
the open procedure during surgery because my spleen was too close to my
stomach. He felt really bad, but he didn't want to take any chances, said
that there are quite a few complications that come from spleen issues.
Just my 2 cents!
— Chloe S.
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