Splenectomy

A splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your child's spleen if it's diseased or not functioning.

There are several conditions for which a splenectomy may be needed:

• hereditary spherocytosis and sickle cell anemia
• chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with failed response to medical treatment
• hodgkin disease or chronic leukemia in special situations
• trauma with an injury to the spleen and continued bleeding

Supplemental vaccine 

If your child's spleen has been removed, ask your child's doctor about the vaccine for seven strains of pneumococcal organisms that is now available to supplement the original vaccine for 23 strains. This conjugated vaccine produces a stronger and longer lasting response than the older vaccines.