What are the functions of the spleen? What are the consequences of having a spleen removed?

Splenomegaly is a major complication of cirrhosis, and splenectomy is a common method of treating splenomegaly. It is often used when the spleen is severely enlarged and cannot recover. But many people would hesitate when faced with the prospect of having an organ removed. Afraid of causing serious harm to the body. Will removing the spleen cause any harm to the body?

Functions of the spleen

The spleen is responsible for transportation and transformation, which means that the spleen has the function of transporting and transforming food and fluids. The transportation and transformation of food and water refers to the spleen's ability to transform food and water (food) into essence and transport the essence to the whole body; the transportation and transformation of fluids refers to the spleen's ability to promptly transfer the excess water in the absorbed food and water essence to the lungs and kidneys, which is then transformed into sweat and urine and excreted from the body through the lungs and kidneys' gasification function. The spleen is responsible for ascending the clear, which means that the spleen absorbs nutrients such as the essence of water and grain, and transports them to the heart, lungs, and head, and transforms them into qi and blood through the action of the heart and lungs to nourish the whole body, hence the saying "the spleen is healthy when it ascends." The spleen is responsible for regulating blood, that is, the spleen has the function of regulating the flow of blood in the meridians and preventing it from escaping from the meridians. The spleen's function of transporting and transforming is not only the main function of the spleen, but also crucial to the life activities of the entire human body. Therefore, the spleen and stomach are called "the foundation of acquired constitution" and "the source of qi and blood production." The main functions of the spleen are digestion and absorption, transfer of nutrients, transportation of water, and control of blood. The spleen is related to muscles, limbs, and lips.

Effects of Splenectomy

Splenomegaly and hypersplenism can destroy and isolate blood cells, reducing the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the blood, causing anemia and the risk of bleeding. If not treated in time, it can be life-threatening. By removing the enlarged spleen, the blood in the spleen will no longer flow into the portal vein, thus reducing the pressure on the portal vein and possibly alleviating ascites. At the same time, hypersplenism will disappear and anemia is expected to be alleviated.

After all, the spleen is an organ of the human body, and it is impossible for it to have no impact after being removed. However, for adults, the spleen is mainly responsible for storing blood, assisting digestion and part of the immune function. Although there is an impact after the removal, it is not significant. Moreover, compared with the threat posed by splenomegaly to human life, the benefits clearly outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, patients with enlarged spleen still need to have their spleen removed.

Splenectomy is important, but it does not solve the fundamental problem. For patients with cirrhosis, the most important thing is the treatment of cirrhosis. Otherwise, as the disease progresses, other complications may arise. The main significance of splenectomy is actually to eliminate temporary life danger, to gain enough time for future treatment of cirrhosis and to create a good internal environment. Only after treating cirrhosis and restoring liver function can the condition be fundamentally improved.