Splenectomy: What to Expect at Home

After a splenectomy, you are likely to have pain for several days. You may also feel like you have the flu. You may have a low fever and feel tired and nauseated. This is common. You should feel better after a few days and will probably feel much better in about a week.

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

You may need to take antibiotics for a while. You may also need to take them daily and each time you have a fever. A fever could be a sign of a serious infection. Talk to your doctor about what to do if you have a fever.

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

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Be as active as you can. It can help prevent problems and help you recover. Walking is a good option for many.
• Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.
• Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, a vacuum cleaner, or a child.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
• You will probably need to take 4 to 6 weeks off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.
• You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor says it is okay. Pat the cut (incision) dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

Diet

• You can eat a normal diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
• You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. Your doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your 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.
• You will need to take antibiotics for a while after surgery. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

Incision care

• If you have strips of tape on the incision, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off.
• Gently wash the area daily with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which 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 need to take steps to avoid infections. Without a spleen, you have a higher chance of getting very sick with some infections.
  • If you did not get all the vaccinations you need before surgery, be sure to get the vaccines your doctor recommends in the weeks after surgery.
  • You may need to take antibiotics daily and each time you have a fever. A fever could be a sign of a serious infection. Talk to your doctor about what to do if you have 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.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Wash your hands often.
• You will get a medical alert card letting health professionals know about your splenectomy. Carry this with you. It will tell health care providers that you do not have a spleen, in case you need emergency care.

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