Postsplenectomy syndrome

Alternative names:

postsplenectomy, severe hemolysis; splenectomy - post surgery syndome

Definition:

The group of symptoms and signs that frequently occur after surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy), including (but not limited to) thrombocytosis (increased platelet count, which can cause blood clots), hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) and increased susceptibility to severe infections, especially with encapsulated organisms (such as streptococcus pneumoniae).