The spleen is an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen, behind the stomach and under the diaphragm. Its purpose is to filter blood and support the immune system. The spleen can be removed if necessary in a procedure called a splenectomy. So can you live without your spleen?
What is the spleen and what does it do?
The spleen is about the size of a fist and shaped like a fist. It contains two main types of tissue:
- Red pulp – filters blood, removes old and damaged red blood cells, and helps fight infection
- White pulp – contains lymphocytes which make antibodies to help fight infection
Some key functions of the spleen include:
- Filters blood – the spleen filters blood and removes old, damaged, or abnormal red blood cells
- Fights infection – it contains white blood cells that fight bacteria in the blood
- Stores blood cells and platelets – it stores iron and blood cells, and holds a reserve of blood cells and platelets
- Disposes of red blood cells – it breaks down and recycles old and damaged red blood cells
- Makes antibodies – lymphocytes produce antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses
Overall, the spleen acts as a filter for the blood as part of the immune system. While it has important functions, the spleen is not a vital organ for survival.
What happens when the spleen is removed?
The surgical removal of the spleen is called a splenectomy. This may be done in cases of:
- Ruptured spleen from injury
- Diseases like cancer or cysts
- Blood disorders that affect the spleen
- Enlarged spleen
When the spleen is removed, other organs will take over some of its functions, but not all. The liver can take on some filtering duties. The lymph nodes and bone marrow can help make antibodies. However, the body becomes more susceptible to infections without the spleen’s immune cells.
Risks without a spleen
Risks after splenectomy include:
- Infections – Higher risk of infections, especially encapsulated bacteria like pneumococcus, meningococcus, and haemophilus influenza type B infections. This risk is highest in children.
- Blood clots – Higher risk of blood clots due to increased blood cells and platelets.
- Anemia – Possible anemia since the spleen is no longer filtering out old red blood cells.
To offset the increased infection risk, doctors advise getting recommended vaccines, preventive antibiotics, and being vigilant about infections.
Can you live without a spleen?
Yes, it is possible to live a normal life without a spleen. For most adults, the increased risks after splenectomy are modest. With proper preventive care and vaccines, the risk of fatal infection is low. Children may have a higher lifelong risk.
Most people adapt well over time after a splenectomy. With the help of other organs and preventive measures, the body can compensate for the loss of the spleen. However, those without a spleen will always have a higher infection risk and need to take appropriate precautions.
Conclusion
In summary, the spleen has important immune and blood filtering functions. However, it is not a vital organ. Both children and adults can live without a spleen, though they have a lifelong increased risk of infections. With proper post-splenectomy care and precautions, most people can live a normal life after spleen removal.