- Patients who undergo splenectomy are at increased risk of infections secondary to encapsulated organisms: H Influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae & Neisseria meningitidis.
- Vaccinations against these organisms are highly recommended in patients who have undergone splenectomy.
- Careful attention must be paid to post-splenectomy patients presenting with febrile illnesses as they may require more aggressive, empiric antibiotic therapy.
- Palpation of spleen ---see below
