Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Normally, erythrocytes are stored and removed from the circulating blood by the spleen, including the removal of damaged erythrocytes. However, after a splenectomy the lack of presence of the spleen means this function cannot be carried out so damaged erythrocytes will continue to circulate in the blood and can release substances into the blood.
An overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) is a rare but rapidly fatal infection occurring in individuals following removal (or permanent dysfunction) of the spleen. The infections are typically characterized by either meningitis or sepsis , and are caused by encapsulated organisms including Streptococcus pneumoniae . [ 3 ]
The spleen, located on the upper left side of the abdomen next to the stomach, is significantly smaller than the liver, between 2.4 to 3 pounds lighter, and is roughly the size of a fist.
The spleen is an important immunological organ that acts as a filter for red blood cells, triggers phagocytosis of invaders, and mounts an immunological response when necessary. [2] Lack of a spleen, called asplenia, can occur by autosplenectomy or the surgical counterpart, splenectomy. Asplenia can increase susceptibility to infection. [3]
A medical mistake left a Fresno County woman missing the wrong organ after a surgeon operated to remove a diseased kidney, according to a new lawsuit.
A Florida surgeon mistakenly removed a man’s liver instead of his spleen, causing him to die on the operating table, a lawyer for the man’s widow alleges.
Accessory spleens may undergo hypertrophy after splenectomy [15] Very rarely, it may cause bleeding (pictured). [16]If splenectomy is performed for conditions in which blood cells are sequestered in the spleen, failure to remove accessory spleens may result in the failure of the condition to resolve. [1]
The family of 70-year-old William Bryan claims surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky removed his liver and not his spleen during a procedure he did not survive. Family of deceased Alabama man claims surgeon ...