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May 24, 2013
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Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) (cont.)

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Surgery

Occasionally, the indicated treatment is surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) in order to control the causative conditions. Some conditions in which splenectomy may be considered are hairy cell leukemia, thalassemia major, splenic vein thrombosis, Gaucher disease, and ITP. A careful consideration of risks versus benefits of surgery is the most prudent approach.

It is important to note the importance of vaccination in cases of splenectomy. People without a spleen (asplenia) are at a high risk for significant infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Hemophilus influenzae. Therefore, vaccination against these bacteria (pneumococcal vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, hemophilus vaccine) is strongly recommended in anyone who undergoes splenectomy.

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