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- $Unique_ID{BRK02095}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{The Spleen: Description, Function and Potential Problems}
- $Subject{spleen surgery gland abdomen rib cage blood cells iron metabolism
- anemia low white blood cell levels bleeding platelets hemorrhage internal
- bleeding accident rupture ruptured splenectomy antibodies}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- The Spleen: Description, Function and Potential Problems
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- QUESTION: Could you please tell me about the spleen? If for some reason it
- should rupture or be damaged, can it be very harmful to the body? What is its
- function in the body? I really would appreciate your answer on this.
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- ANSWER: The spleen is a purple colored gland, soft and elastic, that is
- located on the upper left side of your abdomen towards the rear and tucked up
- under the lower edge of your rib cage. It measures about 5 inches in length,
- 3 inches wide, and 2 inches thick, and weighs about 7 ounces, though size and
- weight are quite variable.
- It is a gland that is concerned with the storage of blood cells, their
- manufacture and destruction, as well as iron metabolism. When it works too
- hard, in destroys more cells than it should, resulting in anemia, low white
- blood cell levels, and increased tendency to bleeding as the number of
- platelets are reduced. If these conditions become too pronounced, surgical
- removal of the spleen may be necessary.
- When the spleen becomes injured in an accident, or ruptures due to
- changes provoked by disease or accident, it requires emergency surgery because
- of the danger of hemorrhage due to internal bleeding. In some cases where
- the injury has resulted in a small tear in the spleen, it can be sutured, and
- the organ saved. However, splenectomy (the removal of a spleen) is
- relatively simple, and there is a low incidence of complications from this
- surgery.
- When the spleen is removed, the body makes some changes, but a normal
- life is still possible. In the period following the operation, blood tests
- are taken on a regular and frequent schedule to see the affect on the blood
- cells. Usually they return to values that are close to normal.
- Special precautions must be taken, however, to avoid infections. The
- spleen participates in producing some types of antibodies that help fight off
- invading bacteria. Should an infection occur, treatment with antibiotics
- should be prompt and vigorous.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-