Splenectomy in Children: What to Expect at Home

After a splenectomy, your child is likely to have pain for several days. Some children feel like they have the flu. Your child may have a low fever and feel tired and nauseated. This is common. Your child should feel better after a few days and will probably feel much better in about a week.

The spleen helps protect your child against infections. Now that the spleen has been removed, your child will need to be careful to prevent certain infections. If your child did not get all the vaccines they needed before surgery, be sure they get all the vaccines the doctor recommends in the weeks after surgery.

Your child may need to take antibiotics for a while. Your child may also need to take them daily and each time your child has a fever. A fever could be a sign of a serious infection. Ask the doctor what to do if your child has a fever.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for your child to recover. But each child recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to help your child get better as quickly as possible.

Activity

• Have your child rest when feeling tired.
• Have your child try to walk a little each day. Make each walk a little longer than the day before.
• Your child should not ride a bike, play running games, or take part in gym class until your doctor says it is okay.
• Your child should avoid lifting anything heavy, like a backpack, that would make them strain.
• Your child may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. Your child should not swim or take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

Diet

• Your child can eat a normal diet.
• Have your child drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
• You may notice a change in your child's bowel habits right after surgery. You can help your child avoid constipation and straining. The doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart any medicines. You will also get instructions about your child taking any new medicines.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.

Incision care

• If your child has strips of tape on the incision the doctor made, leave the tape on until it falls off.
• Gently wash the area daily with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes or rubs against clothing.
• Change the bandage every day or if it gets wet or dirty.

Preventing infections

• You will need to take steps to avoid infections in your child. Without a spleen, your child has a higher chance of getting very sick with some infections.
  • If your child did not get all the vaccinations they need before surgery, be sure they get all the vaccines the doctor recommends in the weeks after surgery.
  • Your child may need to take antibiotics daily and each time they have a fever. A fever could be a sign of a serious infection. Ask the doctor what to do if your child has a fever.
  • Be sure to have a travel plan before going to places where there may be infectious diseases and limited medical care. Other vaccinations or medicines may be needed to prevent or treat infections.
  • Have your child avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Have your child wash their hands often.
• Your child will get a medical alert card letting health professionals know about their splenectomy. Make sure your child keeps this card with them. It will tell health care providers that your child does not have a spleen, in case they need emergency care.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.