Spleen disorders and splenectomy
Introduction
Some people are born without a spleen or need to have it removed because of disease or injury.
The spleen is a fist-sized organ foundin the upper left side of your abdomen, next to your stomach and behind your left ribs.
It is animportant part of your immune system but you can survive without it. This is because the liver can take over many of the spleen's functions.
This page covers:
- What does the spleen do?
- Spleen disorders and splenectomy :
spleen pain
a ruptured spleen
an enlarged spleen - Splenectomy (having the spleen removed)
- Living without a spleen
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 18 Aug 2016
Introduction
NHS Choices information on spleen problems, splenectomy and living without a spleen, with links to other useful resources
What does the spleen do?
The spleen has a few important functions: It fights any invading germs in the blood (the spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells). It controls the level of blood cells. The spleen cont
Spleen problems
Spleen pain Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs. It may be tender when you touch the area.This can be a sign of a damaged, ruptured or enlarged spleen. A damaged or ruptured
Splenectomy (having the spleen removed)
An operation to remove the spleen, known as a splenectomy, may be needed if the spleen is damaged, diseased or enlarged. It may sometimes be more appropriate to have just part of your spleen removed
Living without a spleen
If your spleen needs to be removed, other organs such as the liver can take over many of the spleen's functions. This meansyou will still be able to cope with most infections. However, there is a sma
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