Spleen removal: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Follow any emergency antibiotic plan you were given, but do not let taking an antibiotic delay assessment.

   Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe and rapidly worsening abdominal pain.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness, drainage, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, trouble eating or drinking, or a swollen abdomen.

   Also call about new calf pain or swelling.

   Because infection can become serious more quickly without a spleen, seek urgent medical advice for a fever, shaking chills, or feeling suddenly very unwell.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   For routine care, tell healthcare professionals that you have no spleen.

   Ask for advice before travel to places where malaria is present and after an animal bite, because extra prevention or treatment may be needed.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Spleen removal. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.